Police blotter 3-7-14

Stolen credit card leads police to gold mine over the weekend

On Saturday afternoon, police responded to the DoubleTree Hotel, 555 W. Foothill Blvd., where a man had used a stolen credit card to pay for his stay and more than $300 in room service. Christian Gutierrez, a 36-year-old transient, was contacted and found in possession of at least 100 Social Security , driver’s license and credit card numbers, according to Claremont Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen. Police say Mr. Gutierrez was also in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested for identity theft, drug possession and an outstanding warrant.

Police made their way to another room at the hotel, paid for using the same stolen credit card. There, officers found two more subjects in possession of stolen checks and driver’s licenses, card readers and at least 50 stolen credit card numbers. Methamphetamine and heroin were allegedly also found in the room. James Pinto, a 26-year-old transient, and Colin Nash, a 32-year-old West Covina resident, were also arrested for identity theft and drug possession. An arraignment was held Tuesday.

Thursday, February 27

Problems persisted for residents in the 700 block of Lancaster Circle last week as three homes were targeted in evening burglaries. All took place between 7:15 p.m. and midnight. In two of the incidents, burglars entered the home by prying open the front door. In the other, a glass windowpane was broken in the door. More than $2500 in electronics, wallets and cash was taken from one of the houses. Nothing was reported missing in the other. In the final case, the resident was home when burglars forced their way in. She screamed and the crooks fled, according to Lieutenant Mike Ciszek. Police were unable to locate them. A report was taken.

Saturday, March 1

A little too much imbibing led two Claremont visitors into unsuccessful and accidental attempts at breaking-and-entering early Saturday morning. At 1:30 a.m. Justin Bean, a 33-year-old Rancho Cucamonga resident, attempted to hitch a ride with a complete stranger, allegedly trying to open the car door while the vehicle was stopped at a red light at Indian Hill Boulevard and First Street. Down the road, Brandon Wulf, a 35-year-old Montclair resident, was knocking incessantly at the back door of an unknown apartment in the 600 block of South Indian Hill Boulevard. Both men were arrested for public intoxication.

Tuesday, March 4

Less than three weeks after an El Roble student was struck by a car on her way to school, police responded to yet another similar incident at the local intermediate school. A student informed school officials she was hit by a woman driving a white SUV while walking across Harrison Avenue. Though the girl said she was not injured, she was transported to the hospital and her parents were notified. The driver of the vehicle has not come forward.

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A robber remains at large after stealing an undisclosed amount of cash following the Tuesday dinner rush at a local eatery. Around 8:10 p.m., the man entered World Famous Grill, located at 806 S. Indian Hill Blvd., and demanded the cashier give him money. The robber claimed he had a gun. The cashier gave him the cash and the man took off. The crook is described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s, about six feet tall with a thin build. Police arrested a man shortly after the incident. It was later determined he was not the suspect and he was released. Any information on this crime should be reported to the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com