Police blotter 3-10-17

Wednesday, March 1

Police are investigating a burglary at a home on the 500 block of Redlands Avenue. Between 1 p.m. on February 22 and 1:30 on March 1, an unidentified burglar smashed the rear window of the home and gained entry, according to Lt. Mike Ciszek of the Claremont Police Department. The residents were away from the home during that time period, and a gardener tending to the property discovered the break-in. The property loss is currently unknown. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police department at (909) 399-5411.

Friday, March 3

A Los Angeles man was arrested for loitering on private property. A witness heard glass breaking on the 2600 block of Sweetbriar around 12:30 a.m. When police arrived, they discovered 29-year-old Cartrell Smith in the bed of a truck that did not belong to him. Mr. Smith was initially uncooperative with police.  Later an LA County inmate identification wristband bearing his name was found on Mr. Smith. He was arrested for prowling and transported to CPD jail. The source of the broken glass wasn’t found.

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Police arrested a suspected mail thief after he led them on a wild car and foot pursuit that culminated with the suspect taking his clothes off. John Gerard, 54, of San Clemente, was caught stealing mail from a home on the 700 block of Ridgefield just after 9:30 a.m. When the victim confronted Mr. Gerard, he fled from the scene. Police located him on Sumner Avenue, and Mr. Gerard led them on a three-mile chase that ended in Live Oak Canyon, where he smashed into a gate, causing $4,000 in damage. Mr. Gerard then fled on foot, running up a hill and removing his clothing. The naked suspect was eventually taken into custody with the help of the LA County Sheriff’s Department and La Verne PD.

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A thief got away with a massive haul of around $6 in cash after burglarizing a dentist office. The break-in occurred between 5 p.m. on March 2 and 6:15 a.m. on March 3, when the perpetrator smashed the glass door located at the back of the business on the 600 block of Foothill Boulevard, Lt. Ciszek said. Once inside, the thief grabbed the paltry sum and an unknown amount of plastic desk drawer organizers before fleeing the scene due to the alarm activating. Anyone with information should call the Claremont Police Department.

Sunday, March 5

An Upland man was arrested on suspicion of DUI in the Trader Joe’s parking lot. Police were called to the market around 5:15 p.m. and found two employees propping up a man, identified as 68-year-old Bennett Souther, who was attempting to get out of his white Jeep Commander. Police made contact with Mr. Souther, who reportedly displayed clear signs of drunkenness. He was arrested and transported to CPD jail. Later that same day, a second person called police alleging they were the possible victim of a hit and run in the parking lot involving Mr. Souther. An investigation is ongoing.

Tuesday, March 7

Police are looking for two men who reportedly broke into Massage Envy and stole cash and facial products. The men allegedly broke into the business around 6:30 a.m. by smashing the glass door on the west side of the building. The men then left through the same door and were last seen walking on Base Line Road toward Monte Vista Avenue, police said. The first suspect is described as a Causasian man, mid-40s to late 50s, wearing a light buttoned-up shirt, corduroy jacket, white and red baseball hat, prescription glasses, dark pants and a gray goatee. The second suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 40s, with a average build, black pants and a gray hoodie.

—Matthew Bramlett

news@claremont-courier.com