Police blotter 8.25.12

Autos targeted as thieves steal variety of goods

Car burglaries ran rampant in the city of Claremont last week with a total of more than $1500 in stolen property.

TomTom navigation systems were stolen out of 2 vehicles parked in separate north Claremont neighborhoods between Sunday, August 19 at 11 p.m. and Monday, August 20 at 4 a.m. The Toyota RAV4 was parked in the 600 block of Aurora Drive, while the Hyundai was parked in the 2100 block of Kemper Avenue. The coin tray was also stolen out of the Hyundai, which had been left unlocked.

A Dodge Avenger was broken into Monday afternoon, August 20, parked in the 1000 block of Marjorie Avenue. The burglar had attempted to remove the airbags, but without success. Instead, a purse and wallet with $1,000 was stolen. The empty purse was later found dumped on nearby Marshall Court. Around the same time, a Honda Civic was burglarized in the 800 block of Wabash Court. A bottle of perfume and an iPod cable were stolen.

Wednesday, August 15

More than $12,000 in equipment was stolen from the Claremont strawberry patch, located on the corner of Base Line Road and Towne Avenue, between Monday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 15. Among the stolen loot was a $5000 rototiller, a $2500 cooling fan and $3000 worth of wiring.

A day later, 2 women were arrested for taking a pair of scamper jacks from the Strawberry Patch totaling an estimated $400. Janis Koziol, 55, and Cheryl Inge, 49, both of La Verne, claim they had attempted to contact the owners of the patch numerous times, but with no luck. Because the scamper jacks were rusted and found in a pile of other metal items, they assumed the property was unwanted and took it. A connection between the 2 strawberry patch thefts is unknown at this time.

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Jenny Estrada called Claremont police in a panic Wednesday night from a payphone at the Wine and Liquor Market. Ms. Estrada claimed that she was being followed. Her pursuers were not located, but a glass meth pipe in Ms. Estrada’s possession was. She was arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamine and for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Friday, August 17

A bomb threat to Golden State Water’s Claremont office ended in arrest for a 45-year-old Claremont resident Friday evening.

Khalid Fakhoury contacted Golden State Water’s call center in San Dimas around 1:30 p.m. asking if he had reached the Claremont location. The telephone operator asked Mr. Fakhoury if he would like to be transferred. He said no, telling the operator that he was going to bomb the Claremont office, according to Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen. Through a caller identification system, Golden State Water officials were able to identify Mr. Fakhoury and provide information to police. He was arrested. Police revealed that Mr. Fakhoury had been in an ongoing dispute with the company regarding an outstanding balance. Mr. Fakhoury’s claim was discovered to be an idle threat, according to Lt. Vander Veen.

Saturday, August 18

Police were flagged down Saturday afternoon near First Street and Oberlin because of a man found sprawled across the ground. Police found 36-year-old Leonard Santos sitting on the curb, unable to stand without assistance. Mr. Santos admitted he “had way too much to drink” and was arrested for public intoxication, according to Lt. Vander Veen.

Sunday, August 19

Police went for an early morning run Sunday in pursuit of a car thief. The stolen Honda Civic was located near Base Line and Indian Hill around 5:45 a.m. The driver pulled over for police, but immediately got out of the car and started running. A perimeter was set up and the man was located hiding in the backyard of a residence in the 200 block of Wiley Court. Justin Westmontgomery, 30, of Yucaipa, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and for evading arrest.

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An argument between roommates in the 3400 block of Campus Avenue went a step too far Sunday afternoon when one roommate allegedly lunged forward at the others with an 8-inch blade kitchen knife. Despite allegedly taking a swing at his roommates, Jeffrey Trask was arrested calmly and without incident. There were no injuries.

Monday, August 20

Police spotted a suspicious man peering into Pomona College dormitories in the 700 block of North Amherst Avenue around 12:20 a.m. Nathaniel Villegas, 22, of Upland, was found to be on parole for burglary and under the influence of methamphetamine. He was arrested.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com