Police Blotter: February 10, 2023
Wednesday, February 1
The Claremont Police Department received a 11 a.m. call about a robbery in the 600 block W. 11th Street. Police said a couple approached a woman in her 70s and stole $2,600 worth of jewelry using a distraction technique. The victim at some point realized what was happening and injured her hands while attempting to thwart the suspected thieves. Police are searching for the couple, who are wanted for the robbery and elder abuse due to the woman’s injuries.
Over the past few weeks, police have responded to five similar distraction thefts of jewelry involving the same two suspects. The pair distract the victim with a story about a “Middle Eastern custom” of placing jewelry on a person to celebrate a birthday or other milestone. The thieves then steal the valuables at the same time as placing costume jewelry on the victim, according to a police department news release. The suspects are described as a heavy set couple who appear to be of Middle Eastern descent. The male suspect is in his 40s and the woman is her 30s to 40s, 5 feet 2 inches tall with a gold tooth. The couple may be driving a black SUV or a gray or gold car. Police remind residents to be alert and if they have any information about these crimes to please call CPD at (909) 399-5411.
Thursday, February 2
Police on patrol at 11:34 a.m. conducted a traffic stop on Pomona resident Angel Herrera, 24, in the 500 block of S. Indian Hill Boulevard. A records check revealed that Herrera did not have a driver’s license and had an outstanding felony arrest warrant. Herrera was arrested on the warrant and taken to the Claremont jail where he was booked and later transferred to Pomona Police, who held him for court.
Friday, February 3
At 11:10 a.m. another person was victimized by the apparent Middle Eastern jewelry thieves, this time at Seventh Street and Mayflower Road. Police say the couple stole a gold chain and diamond ring worth $2,200 and another chain with a gemstone worth $500.
Saturday, February 4
Officers on patrol at 10:57 p.m. near Foothill Boulevard and Towne Avenue stopped to question South Gate resident Jesse Martinez, 50. Police say Martinez identified himself and a records check showed he had two misdemeanor warrants from the Downey Police. He was arrested on the warrants, transported to the CPD jail, booked, and released with a citation to appear in court.
Sunday, February 5
Police received a call at 8:55 a.m. about a battery victim in the 2300 block of Ohio Drive. Responding officers say a female victim in her 80s was struck several times, sustaining extensive injuries to her face. Police located Claremont resident Steven Elder, 60, a short distance away and he was arrested on felony assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse charges. Police said the investigation is ongoing and would not say if or how the two people are related. Elder was transported to the CPD jail and later transferred to the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angels to be held for court.
