Police blotter 4.21.12

Wednesday, April 11

A truck driver was caught off guard Wednesday morning when a 40 to 50-foot tree branch fell on top of his vehicle as he was driving down Claremont Boulevard near Earlham Drive, sustaining injuries. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital with complaint of pain to his neck. His car was towed from the scene and city maintenance workers were called to remove the tree branch from the road.

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A drug trip quickly went downhill for a Palm Springs man hanging out at the Chevron/McDonalds at 860 South Indian Hill Blvd. Wednesday night. Shane Stokes, 22, began violently hitting the countertop inside the McDonalds and admitted to an employee that he was hallucinating, according to Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen. Police responded, but were initially unable to locate him. He was found 10 minutes later at a nearby Sprint Store. When police arrived, Mr. Stokes was talking rapidly on his cellphone, informing the person on the other line that he was being followed. He put down the phone and admitted to the officers that he was under the influence of methamphetamine, for which he was also on probation. Mr. Stokes suddenly became paranoid, jumping up and screaming that the officers were not “real cops.” The officers tried to grab him, but he resisting, yelling for his mother. Police were finally able to detain Mr. Stokes, who was arrested for resisting an officer and a drug violation.

Thursday, April 12

A crook left a trail for police after breaking and entering into 2 vehicles parked on Mt. Baldy Road. Both cars were parked in a turnout near San Antonio Dam. Sometime between 4:15 p.m. and 6 p.m., the thief entered the vehicles by smashing a window. The possessions located in one of the cars were left untouched, while another was reportedly missing a wallet with money and credit cards, a purse, 2 school backpacks with books and an MP3 player totaling a loss of about $500. Though the thief has not been located, a stack of driver’s licenses and credit cards stolen in burglaries out of San Bernardino County and Santa Ana were found nearby. Investigation is ongoing.

Friday, April 13

Claremont Police are searching for 3 men involved in a house burglary in the 4000 block of Tenango Road. A witness watched as the 3 burglars, described as white males estimated to be 25 years old, got out of a dark gray newer model Toyota Camry with paper plates parked nearby and forced their way through the front entrance of the home. The men exited the residence less than a minute later with 2 laptops, ran to the car and drove off. Police were unable to locate the burglars.

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Police are searching for a hit and run driver responsible for abandoning his car in the center median near Arrow Highway and Notre Dame Road. A man claiming to be the passenger of the car was found standing nearby, the smell of alcohol on his breath, according to Lt. Vander Veen. After making an unsafe turn, the driver reportedly lost control of the car and crashed into a tree in the center of the median. The driver then fled, leaving his passenger behind. Police were able to obtain the driver’s identification from his abandoned friend and follow-up is being conducted.

Saturday, April 14

College Park was left in the dark after the power wires were cut in what police believe to be an attempted theft. The power outage took place sometime between Friday, April 13 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m. Despite the attempt, the task was left uncompleted. All of the wiring remained on scene.

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Police got more than they were expecting after arresting an intoxicated motorcyclist Saturday night. Police stopped Rafael Rodriguez, 46, of Montclair, near Indian Hill Boulevard and Auto Center Drive and soon after determined that he was under the influence of alcohol. He was also found to be driving with a suspended license. Upon searching the man, police discovered a loaded pistol hidden under the waistband of his pants and several concealed knives. He was booked at the Claremont jail.

Tuesday, April 17

A Mountain View Elementary student got in trouble with police Tuesday afternoon after her can of pepper spray went off at school. The juvenile was keeping the can, given to her by a parent, in her backpack for safety. A fellow student went into the girl’s backpack for a pencil and the pepper spray was discharged on the ground. No one was reportedly injured. The girl was given a citation for being a minor in possession of pepper spray.

—Beth Hartnett