Police blotter 12.1.12

Thursday, November 22

A resident in the 1000 block of Lake Forest Drive didn’t exactly find what they figured they would when checking for an intruder Thursday morning. The resident was alerted of a possible backyard trespasser after the dogs began to bark. Though a person was not found, a glass meth pipe was. Police were notified, but the pipe’s owner was not located.

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An Apple iPad left on the front seat of a Toyota Camry parked in the 900 block of Appalachian was easy pickings for a burglar Thursday who nabbed the device sometime between 5:30 and 10:30 p.m. The burglar smashed the passenger window and made off with the $600 electronic device, according to Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen.

Another iPad, an iPhone and GPS device were stolen from 2 vehicles parked in the rear alley of the Peppertree Square Shopping center 2 days later. Between 2 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, the crook smashed both passenger windows to nab the items, valued at about $1500. There are no suspects in any of these cases. There is no evident link to the Appalachian and Peppertree Square incidents.

Monday, November 26

A report on what’s being called a potential hate crime was taken at the Claremont Colleges Monday after a large swastika was found drawn in blue ink on a bathroom stall in the men’s restroom of Honnold Library. This is the third instance of vandalism involving swastikas that has been reported at the Claremont Colleges over the past month, according to Lt. Vander Veen. There are no suspects connected to the crimes.

Tuesday, November 27

A truck driver with a restraining order staying at the Claremont Hotel met up with his girlfriend for whom he was given the restriction. Police were called to the hotel after Donald Blair, 51, of San Lorenzo, and his girlfriend Eliza Ortega, 43, of El Monte, were seen fighting. When police arrived, Mr. Blair had 2 6-inch lacerations, one to the chest and another to the shoulder. Both admitted that Ms. Ortega had lashed out at Mr. Blair with a knife, purchased by the couple to cut limes for their alcoholic beverages. Ms. Ortega was arrested for assault. Both face charges of spousal abuse.

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A pursuit similar to a Mario Kart battle took place Tuesday afternoon when a burglar attempted to get away from a motorcycle cop after stealing a catalytic converter. The man had taken the $2000 converter from the front porch of a residence in the 300 block of Saint Bonaventure Street and attempted to make off with it on a bike. With a motorcycle cop in pursuit, the man threw the converter at the officer in an attempt to get away. The man ditched his bike, jumped into a series of backyards and took off. He is described as a white male in his 20s, wearing glasses, a long-sleeved gray shirt and dark shorts. Information should be reported to the Claremont Police Department at 399-5411.

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Another car was targeted with BB gun vandalism on Thursday night, this time in the 4000 block of Garey Avenue. Sometime between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., the vandal shattered the rear left passenger window using a BB gun. Damage is estimated at about $1000.

—Beth Hartnett

   news@claremont-courier.com