Police blotter 12.15.12

Traffic violation nabs burglars after break-in

A pair of burglars without the gift of stealth wound up in jail Saturday night after their plans to make off with stolen loot was foiled. A witness spotted one of the men reaching into the smashed window of a Silver Honda parked at Mills Avenue and Evey Canyon. After taking a black bag found inside the car, the man was observed getting into the passenger seat of a green Nissan Altima. The witness followed the car, which was last seen heading south on Indian Hill Boulevard from Base Line Road and a “Be on the Lookout” alert was entered into the city’s database.

Later that evening, that same car was pulled over by Claremont police at Towne and Scripps for a traffic violation. The driver allowed police to search the car, and the stolen property from the earlier crime was located, according to Watch Commander Sergeant Lori Davenport. Jesse Sobaski, 26, of La Puente and Darren Ferriera, 33, of Chino, were arrested for possession of stolen property. Mr. Sobaski was also arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.

That same morning a car was also broken into via a smashed window at nearby Mt. Baldy Road and Evey Canyon. A phone and plastic storage tote worth more than $400 was stolen. The property was not located in Mr. Sobaski’s car and a link to the other crime is unknown at this time, according to Sgt. Davenport.

Thursday, December 6

A joyride ended in jail time for 21-year-old Adam Muldrow Thursday afternoon. Police stopped Mr. Muldrow, found riding around College Avenue and First Street on a bicycle, after reports that the bike Mr. Muldrow rode upon was in fact stolen from the 800 block of Columbia Ave. In addition to the stolen property, Mr. Muldrow was found in possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia. He took a ride with police to jail.

Friday, December 7

Police carted off a 21-year-old Claremont resident Friday morning after he pelted the window of a college apartment in the 600 block of West First Street with rocks. Admitting to police that he had drank too much and displaying abnormal behaviors, the man was held until sober at which time police determined that he did not need to be transported to a hospital for a mental evaluation, according to police. He was additionally arrested for vandalism.

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A man was physically assaulted while walking in the 700 block of North Amherst Avenue around 11 p.m. Thursday. Details remain hazy for the man, who was intoxicated at the time of the incident, according to police. He does recall being ambushed from behind by a group of men. He believes about $100 was stolen from his wallet.

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Summer wardrobes are taken care of for crooks who broke into C and Y Sports, 1420 N. Claremont Blvd., early Saturday morning, at least in the pants department. Police believe the burglars entered the business by ramming a large vehicle into the aluminum garage door and taking a crate with 400 to 500 jean shorts. There are no suspects at this time.

Monday, December 10

Patricia Mendez, 33, of Pomona, was arrested Monday after a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, her slumber took place in a room of Hotel Claremont that she had not paid for, according to Sgt. Davenport. Ms. Mendez was arrested for defrauding an innkeeper and for possession of drug paraphernalia.

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A victim was left carless after a vehicle theft on Monday, December 10. The car was taken while at a car dealership located in the 600 block of Auto Center Drive. The keys had been left on the center console of the vehicle. The investigation continues.

Wednesday, December 12

Lee Wright, 19, of Chino, punched a man in the face Tuesday night in Claremont before stealing an iPhone and $500 dollar watch and fleeing. Unfortunately for Mr. Wright, it was all caught on camera. The incident took place in front of the Stater Bros market on 1055 W. Foothill Blvd., and the store’s surveillance camera, mounted right in front of the car, picked up the entire series of events. Mr. Wright approached the man, who was standing by his car in front of the market. As the victim fled, fearing for his safety after being punched, Mr. Wright entered the man’s car and stole the items. Using the surveillance video and information from the victim, who admitted to having previous contacts with Mr. Wright, police arrived at Mr. Wright’s residence on Wednesday, December 12, and arrested him for robbery.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com