Police blotter 9-19-14

Tuesday, September 9
A teenager riding his bike was struck from behind by a hit and run driver. The 17-year-old was traveling east on Harrison near Indian Hill around 9 a.m. when he was blindsided by the vehicle. The cyclist fell to the ground but managed to walk home. The teen was transported by a family member to Pomona Valley Medical Center, where it was determined he suffered a fractured right elbow and hand as well as numerous abrasions. The suspect remains at large and is described as a male driving a silver Toyota.

Wednesday, September 10
Phone scammers continue to target Claremont residents. According to Lieutenant Mike Ciszek, an unknown suspect claimed to be the grandson of the victim, stating he’d been arrested and needed money. The woman was instructed to obtain $3,000 in money pack cards and call him back with the card information, which she did.

Friday, September 12
A night on the town turned into a night in the slammer for a Pomona man who allegedly had a little too much to drink. Ramon Valdez was spotted stumbling through the streets of Claremont around 2 a.m. before being confronted by officers on Indian Hill Boulevard near Arrow Highway. Reeking of alcohol, the 30-year-old remained in one spot with his hands high in the air as officers listened to the man explain he’d been drinking in the Village. Mr. Valdez was arrested for public intoxication and later released on $250 bail.

Saturday, September 13
A broken leg and an unusual fashion choice didn’t slow down one Claremont woman who was arrested for a suspected DUI. Officers responded to the 1000 block of Foothill Boulevard near Rocky’s Liquor after a witness called in a suspected drunk driver. Both Pomona and Claremont police responded to the call around 11 p.m., where they encountered Kathy Kerecman wearing a white bathrobe with a cast on her leg. The 58-year-old was arrested for suspected DUI and taken to Claremont jail where she submitted to a blood sample. She was later released on $5,000 bail.

Monday, September 15
A Claremont Adult School student attracted some unwanted attention from a police canine when he failed to remove drug paraphernalia from his backpack. Officers were called to the classroom to conduct a search after someone reported smelling marijuana. The dog singled out a tan backpack belonging to a 19-year-old student that contained an empty marijuana container and an empty pipe. When officers ran the Pomona resident’s name through their system, it was discovered he had a $20,000 outstanding warrant for unlawful sex with a minor out of San Bernardino. He was immediately taken into custody on the warrant.

Tuesday, September 16
It was a big bust for the Claremont Police Department after serving a search warrant on a resident and hitting a marijuana motherlode. According to Lt. Mike Ciszek, officers arrived on the 800 block of South College Avenue around 10 a.m. and located about 60 marijuana plants growing in the backyard as well as additional Mary Jane for sale onsite. Mark Bishop, 56, was arrested for possession with intent to sell and remains in custody on $50,000 bail. The street value of the marijuana has yet to be determined.

Wednesday, September 17
Three male suspects with a hot van attempted to steal the drive-up ATM at Chase Bank, located at 805 W. Foothill Boulevard at approximately 3:20 a.m. Using a large metal cable attached to the stolen vehicle, the suspects tried to pull the ATM vault from inside the ATM housing. One suspect also arrived at the location on a green sport bike-style motorcycle. Their attempt was unsuccessful, so they fled, leaving the crime scene and the van behind. Two of the suspects left on the green motorcycle. The third suspect ran northbound on Mountain Avenue, but was not located despite an extensive search by police.
The first suspect is described as a male, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, dark-colored pants, gloves and a black and white motorcycle helmet. The second suspect is described as a male wearing a long gray hooded jacket, gray pants and was wearing a mask. The third suspect is a male, wearing plaid shorts and a black sweatshirt.
If you have any information regarding this crime, contact the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411.
—Angela Bailey
news@claremont-courier.com