Police blotter 7-25-14

Canvassers blanket Claremont neighborhoods

Several calls have been made to police this week regarding canvassers approaching the homes of residents and/or loitering in local neighborhoods, requesting signatures for a petition. Please be aware that these people do not represent the city of Claremont and you are under no obligation to open your door or sign anything. If you witness suspicious activity, call the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411.

Thursday, July 17

The Claremont Police Department responded to a burglary that occurred at the old Garden Square Restaurant located on the 700 block of Sout Indian Hill Boulevard. Construction employees arrived and noticed that the front door was broken into and tools were stolen from inside. It’s believed the theft occurred between July 16 at 9 p.m. and July 17 at 7 a.m. There are no suspects at this time.

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A fire at Oak Park Cemetery caused damage to city property. Claremont officers were called to the cemetery around 9:30 p.m. and discovered a city sidewalk and bush line on the east side of the cemetery had been damaged by fire. While investigating the cause, officers were able to obtain the name of a suspect, who remains at large. The cost to repair the damage is unknown at this time.

Saturday, July 19

For what may be the first time ever, a car alarm going off in a parking lot actually alerted someone to a crime. Claremont police were called to the 900 block of Columbia Avenue where a vehicle owner, who had heard his car alarm going off, returned to his vehicle and discovered $8,000 of camera gear missing. The unknown suspect broke into the parked car and took various equipment including Canon cameras, several lenses, battery chargers, a flash, diffusers and a bag. The victim saw a female driving away from the scene but there are no suspects at this time.

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A 90210 resident was arrested in 91711 for public intoxication. Officers were called around 10 p.m. regarding a suspected DUI near the Shell gas station on the 1000 block of Foothill Boulevard. When police located the vehicle down the street in the Piano, Piano parking lot, it was unoccupied and Richard Chen was found nearby. The 35-year-old Beverly Hills resident had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and person, his speech was mumbled and his eyes were droopy and red. Mr. Chen was arrested for being drunk in public and for an outstanding warrant. He was released on $1,726 bail.

Monday, July 21

Missing Claremont teen Chiara Lutz has been located in Oregon and has traveled home with her father. The 17-year-old girl was reported missing after attending the Moon Tribe Music Festival near Joshua Tree on July 13. While at the festival, Ms. Lutz had a phone argument with her mother and stated she was not coming home, abruptly ending all communication with her mother. The minor was found in the company of Tyler Xian Strillo. It is unknown if Ms. Lutz’s parents will seek prosecution against him.

—Angela Bailey

news@claremont-courier.com