Police blotter 5-23-14
Tuesday, May 13
Delinquents damaged the statuesque letter that made up a portion of the West Hall signage at Pitzer College. Campus safety notified police on Tuesday that sometime between 2 p.m. on Friday, May 9 and 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12 vandals managed to kick down the letter “A” in the word “Hall” just above the second floor of West Hall. The damaged is estimated at $1,200. There are no suspects.
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An open bedroom window on the 900 block of Arrow Highway was seen as an opportunity for a thief to commit burglary. As the victim slept, an unknown suspect allegedly reached through the open window and stole a $500 iPhone and $600 laptop on a desk near the window. The suspect fled the scene undetected, and the items have not been recovered.
Wednesday, May 14
The serene resting place for many of Claremont’s loved ones fell victim to grand theft after an unknown suspect stole a grave marker at Oak Park Cemetery. The thief unearthed a 12-by-24-inch brass plaque from a granite base during an unknown time period. The missing marker is said to be valued at $1,500 and is the first to be reported stolen from the cemetery.
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A Claremont resident wasn’t too smart when he started an unauthorized bonfire surrounded by people with warrants, drugs and drug paraphernalia. At 1:40 p.m., police responded to the 900 block of Alamosa Drive where they discovered the resident and his companions around a backyard blaze. Officers cited and released the 61-year-old man for violating the municipal code of having a fire without permission. His friends, however, weren’t as fortunate. Rebecca Wechter, 31, was arrested for an outstanding warrant and possession of methamphetamine and a hypodermic needle. Azusa resident Michael Chacon, 47, was also arrested for an outstanding warrant and possession of a pipe.
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The future amenities available to Claremont Manor residents took a big hit last week when thieves stole 35 flat-screen televisions, still in the original packaging. According to Lieutenant Mike Ciszek, the suspects forced open a window and entered the facility sometime between 1 p.m. on May 12 and 2:30 p.m. on May 14. The televisions stored at the location were property of the Claremont Manor and valued at $24,500.
Thursday, May 15
An Ontario man was arrested for robbery after stealing two CDs from Rhino Records and fleeing the scene. At approximately 4:53 p.m., Bradley Pack activated the store’s anti-theft alarm when leaving through the front door with $40.31 worth of property. A witness attempted to detain the 49-year-old, to which Mr. Pack replied, “I’m a dangerous person, stay back!” The suspect then fled in a vehicle and was stopped by police several blocks from the scene. Mr. Pack was identified as the thief and admitted making the statement to the witness. He was arrested for the theft in addition to two warrants out of San Diego County for robbery. He was currently on probation for grand theft.
Friday, May 16
A Bermuda Dunes woman was arrested around 5 a.m. outside of a Claremont McDonald’s for being drunk and disorderly in public. Anabel Garcia was initially spotted stumbling and vomiting in a Pomona street when a Good Samaritan attempted to transport the 26-year-old to a local hospital for assistance. When Ms. Garcia refused to exit the vehicle, the do-gooder contacted police. According to Lieutenant Mike Ciszek, Ms. Garcia exhibited signs of intoxication including slow speech, bloodshot eyes and was swaying side-to-side while emitting a strong odor of alcohol. She was arrested for public intoxication and taken to jail.
Saturday, May 17
Officers were called to the 300 block of South Mills Avenue after a resident discovered her garage and the vehicle inside had been broken into. The victim told police that her purse had been in the car when unknown suspects broke the passenger window and made off with the handbag, including her driver’s license and credit cards. Also missing from the garage was a security light and digital camera system. The suspect later used one of the credit cards at a Mobil gas station in Pomona and remains at-large.
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A 60-year-old bicyclist was transported to a local hospital after being struck by a motorist on Towne Avenue. The driver and cyclist were both traveling north on Towne when the vehicle allegedly attempted to make a right-hand turn onto Richmond Drive. The car collided with the bicycle, sending its rider to the ground. Complaining of hip pain and dizziness, the bicyclist was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital for evaluation.
Sunday, May 18
The Claremont Pooch Park was filled with all kinds of barking last weekend and it wasn’t coming from the dogs. Claremont resident Katherine Hatcher, 47, was put under a private person’s arrest and issued a citation for battery after a verbal confrontation turned physical at College Park. It all began when the alleged victim was exchanging personal information with a witness, whose pit bull had attacked a terrier at the park. That’s when Ms. Hatcher allegedly approached the parties and began arguing with the owner of the terrier that was attacked. The situation escalated and Ms. Hatcher allegedly threw a Starbucks paper cup containing a small amount of coffee at the pet owner, who moved quickly and was able to avoid the cup. Officers arrived on scene, placed Ms. Hatcher under a private person’s arrest and issued her a citation per the victim’s request. No one was injured and the terrier was treated at a local animal hospital.
—Angela Bailey
news@claremont-courier.com