Police blotter 9.13.13

Vandals strip bronze plaques from city hall

The front of Claremont City Hall is looking a little bare these days. Earlier this month, 2 bronze plaques were removed from the front of city hall and have yet to be found. Similar swipes have taken place at the Alexander Hughes Center, several local parks and Claremont Unified School District facilities in recent years. There are no suspects.

Friday, September 6

The Peppertree Shopping Center on the southeast corner of Arrow and Indian Hill, is the latest location targeted for commercial burglary. Three unidentified men tried to make off with stolen property from Luscious Nail and Spa early Friday morning, though their initial goal had been the smoke shop next door, according to police. Around 3:30 a.m., the owner of MW Smoke Shop received a call from his alarm company, notifying him of a power failure at his store. He called police. Officers arrived to find the door of the nail salon pried open, the phone lines cut and the power turned off. However, it appears the suspects had gained entrance to the nail salon in attempt to enter the smoke shop next door. Holes had been broken into the wall connecting the stores, but the attempt to get into the smoke shop was unsuccessful. The burglars then attempted to take electronics from the nail salon, but nothing was stolen, according to police.

There is little to identify the suspects. Video surveillance recorded 3 suspects and a light-colored Chevy crew cab truck. One of the suspects is described as a black male wearing a New York Yankees hat and dark clothing. There are no other details. Any information regarding this crime should be reported to the Claremont police at 399-5411.

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When in doubt, run and hide. That was the philosophy of 37-year-old Laura Olivas of Pomona who, after crashing into a light pole near Claremont and Monte Vista on Friday morning, ditched her car and took off. Police found Ms. Olivas’ car on fire in the middle of the intersection with the engine still running and Ms. Olivas hiding in a row of bushes nearby. She was arrested for driving under the influence.

Saturday, September 7

A couple’s fight turned bad fast at Extra Space Storage, 525 W. Arrow Highway, on Saturday afternoon. The couple was arguing in the parking lot when the victim claims her significant other threatened her and then got into his car and tried to run her over. She was able to dodge the car, but the victim claims the man then rammed her car with his before taking off. As of press time, the man had not been taken into custody. Police continue the investigation.

Sunday, September 8

It’s not every day police are called to the DoubleTree Claremont to coax down a woman found standing stark naked on the third floor balcony. Such was the case on Sunday evening, Sarah Hambarzumjan-Calhoun, 26, of Santa Barbara, was hanging from the balcony at one point, according to Lt. Ciszek. Officers were eventually able to detain Ms. Hambarzumjan-Calhoun, found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. She was taken to the Claremont jail, but was later transported to the hospital.

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Police are uncovering puzzling details surrounding an alleged hit and run, which required a pedestrian to be airlifted for treatment on Sunday morning. The man was struck by a car near Black Hills Drive and Denver Avenue around 1:42 a.m. At first, he claimed an unknown person hit him, however, later told police the car had actually been driven by a friend, according to Lt. Ciszek. The man alleges he was drinking with pals when the friends became angry and took off for a party, hitting him with the car in the process. The man sustained head injuries, lacerations to his body and bruising to his face. Investigation continues.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com