Twitter user Sean G (@SG) sent over this photo yesterday, showing two empty hooks where he and his neighbor’s wreaths once hung outside their Richmond District front doors.

Bah, humbug! Who steals wreaths?!?!

Sarah B.

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of December 9, 2011. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN KEITH SANFORD’S MESSAGE
During the holidays Richmond Police Station Officers will continue the enforcement operations at the local bars around Geary Blvd. and Clement St. , due to the continual complaints of noise, underage drinking, physical fights and permit violations. We anticipate meeting with the property owners and managers to seek avenues for resolutions to the listed problems.

The incident involving a fight at the Jack in the Box last month revealed that the after hour operating permit was not current. As a result of this Jack in the Box management are in the process of obtaining current permits from the Entertainment Commission. The Jack in the Box management has been notified and they’ve proceeded to halt business at 2am as required. The suspect in the assault case has been arrested.

Just a reminder that Richmond Station’s Holiday Event is Tuesday, December 13 from 1pm to 5pm. We will have refreshments and ask that attendees bring a toy to donate to SFPD Operation Dream. There is a donation barrel in the lobby of Richmond Station if you would like to donate and are unable to attend on Tuesday.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 12/03 at 1:43am, an officer on-viewed a large fight at 3rd Ave and Geary in front of a bar while the back up officers was responding the officer was abating the fight and dispersing the crowd. Two of the officers went into the bar to help clear it out and noticed that another physical fight broke out at the front door. The officers determined that one of the participants was the bouncer and he was trying to eject an intoxicated male. They went outside to located the male and saw the other officer attempting to place handcuffs on him. The intoxicated male was resisting the officer and they both fell to the ground. The suspect continued to fight with all of the officers until they were finally able to detain him. The initial officer who was attempting to place him into custody was injured and was transported to a local hospital. The 27 year old male was charged with battery on an officer, resisting arrest and public intoxication.

On 12/05 at 4am officer were patrolling the area of Post and Scott Sts when they observed a male spray painting the side of a delivery truck. The suspect did not notice the officers and continued south on Scott St. The officers stopped the male who said, “Wow that was dumb, I don’t know what I was thinking.” The 20 year old male was charged with vandalism.

On 12/07 at 2:08am, officers were called to the 700 block of 30th Ave on a report of a suspicious vehicle. When the officers arrived they located the vehicle with it’s headlights on and playing loud music. The driver appeared to be asleep and was slumped over. Officers knocked several times on the window to awake the driver and when he did he was instructed to turn off the engine and roll down his window. Initially the driver was cooperative but as one of the officers stood near the front of the drivers door to read the VIN number he reached for the key and turned the engine back on. He tried to put the car in drive and continued to rev the engine as the officers repeatedly order him to stop. Finally one of the officers was able to reach the key and remove it from the ignition. When they attempted to remove him from the car he resisted the officers by kicking them and thrashing about. Once the suspect was detained the officers determined that the vehicle was stolen and located a large amount of narcotics in the vehicle. The 28 year old male was charged with aggravated assault, stolen auto and narcotic violations.

On 12/07 at 12:45pm, officers were in the area of 8th Ave and JFK Drive when they observed the suspect casing the different bike racks within the park. Officers conducted a surveillance of the suspect until he finally exited the park at MLK Drive and Lincoln Way where he was detained. The officers determined that the 40 year old suspect who is on parole was also in possession of burglar tools and narcotics. He was charged accordingly.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 12/03 between 12am and 5:30am in the area of 30th and Balboa, a suspect using a BB gun, shot out the windows of 10 different vehicles.

Between 12/06, 7pm and 12/07, 9am on the 600 block of Presidio, a suspect gained entry into a storage unit of an apartment building and took a bike. There were no signs of forced entry.

On 12/07, between 11:15am and 6:30pm on the 3100 block of Geary, the suspect gained entry into an apartment and took a laptop. There were no signs of forced entry.

The Examiner is reporting today that the Jack in the Box located on the corner of 11th and Geary, which is normally open 24 hours, is being told to close at 2am by the city.

In the early hours of Thanksgiving morning, a fight inside the Jack in the Box later led to a brutal hit and run accident on the corner of 9th and Geary. The victim, 29 year old Albert Bartal, remains in critical condition at San Francisco General.

Late last week, police arrested Eduardo Shaparo Esquivel, a 22-year old South San Francisco man for the crime. He’s being held with felony charges for mayhem, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with great bodily injury. Police are also pursuing charges against Esquivel’s girlfriend for trying to cover up the crime.

Since the incident, residents have complained to the city that the 24 hour Jack in the Box attracts the wrong crowd when nearby bars close at 2am.

“When the bars close at 2am, that’s when people are looking for food, and they end up at that Jack in the Box,” David Lee, president of the Richmond Police Advisory Board told The Examiner. “There is a limited amount of seating there, but there is this large parking lot. That’s where the trouble starts.”

In addition to the complaints, it was revealed that the Jack in the Box does not have the required permit to operate 24 hours.

According to Entertainment Commission Executive Director Jocelyn Kane, local businesses that want to stay open past 2 a.m. need an “extended hours” authorization. Police say the Jack in the Box owner does not have such a permit. Kane said the location has previously operated under the permit.

Earlier this year, the manager at the Jack in the Box worked with the Richmond Police Advisory Board to make security improvements to the property, including improved lighting, adding security guards on Thursday through Saturday nights, and trimming overgrown landscaping.

Nevertheless, the location remains a source of distress to nearby residents and police who respond to regular incident calls from the restaurant.

Richmond Police Advisory Board President David Lee says that neighbors have nothing against the Jack in the Box operating in the neighborhood, but that something needs to be done about the trouble that erupts there.

“The feeling now is that’s the last straw,” Lee said to The Examiner of the run-down. “We’ve given you a chance, and it’s not working.”

Sarah B.

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of December 2, 2011. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN KEITH SANFORD’S MESSAGE
On the morning of November 24th, an altercation occurred at the Jack in the Box at 11th Ave and Geary Bl. The victim, 29 year old Albert Bartal, left the restaurant after the fight and was walking on Geary at 9th Ave. As he stopped at the gas station the suspect from the fight drove a black SUV into the station and intentionally struck Mr. Bartal, critically injuring him. Officers were able to immediately obtain video of the Jack in the Box incident and a photo of the suspect and his vehicle was sent out the patrol officers and the public.

An officer from Central Police Station saw the photo and was able to identify the suspect. Officers from San Francisco’s Criminal Investigation Unit went to the suspect’s home in South San Francisco were he was detained late Tuesday night. He is identified as 24 year old Eduardo Shaparo Esquivel. We are currently looking for the black SUV which is described as a Mazda CX-7 with a California plate of 6SYV525 and may have front end damage.

Mr. Bartal is a former Marine and a fire fighter with Cal Fire. He is also the father of a young daughter. A fund has been set up with the San Francisco Police Credit Union, 2550 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122. The account name is “Albert Bartal Relief Fund” with an account number of 1379608.

I want to thank all of the individuals, law enforcement personnel and most importantly the citizens who provided information that lead to the arrest of the suspect in a timely manner.

Due to the Christmas holiday, I will not have a monthly PCRF meeting in December. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 7:00pm.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
Between 11/21, 6pm and 11/27, 8am on the 2900 block of California St, a suspect gained entry into an apartment garage by prying open a door off of the main lobby. The suspect then pried open the door to a storage unit and took 2 calculators.

Between 11/22, 6am and 11/26, 2pm on the 100 block of Seal Rock Dr, a suspect gained entry into a garage and took a bike. There were no signs of forced entry.

On 11/24, between 4:40am and 9:10am on the 4700 block of Geary, a suspect smashed the front door glass of a business. The suspect took a laptop and cash.

On 11/24 at 8:10pm, the victim was walking on Geary near 15th Ave. The suspect ran up from behind and snatched the victim’s cell phone from her hand and ran south on 14th Ave towards Anza. The suspect was described as a male, 20-30 years of age, wearing a blue jacket and black pants.

Between 11/25, 5:15pm and 11/26, 10:30am on the 1700 block of Divisadero, a suspect entered business by prying off a metal security screen from a rear window. The suspect took cash.

Between 11/26, 7pm and 11/17, 8:30am on the 1900 block of Broderick St, a suspect entered an apartment building by removing the deadbolt lock from the front door. The suspect took a box from the lobby that had contained clothing.

On 11/27, between 11am and 11:30am in front of the Academy of Sciences building, the suspect took a bike that had been locked to a bike rack by cutting the lock.

Between 11/27, 11am and 11/30, 6:30pm on the 2900 block of California St, a suspect gained entry into a garage by unknown means and broke into a storage unit. It appears there is no loss.

ON 11/28 between 8:30pm and 10:45pm on the 700 block of Arguello Blvd a suspect gained entry into a residence and took an Ipad2 and an Ipod. There were no signs of forced entry.

On 11/29 at 3:30pm, 3 suspects entered a store at 32nd Ave and Clement St. The store manager observed the suspect placing items into large bags they had brought into the store. The manager attempted to stop the suspects as they exited without paying and was able to grab 2 of the 3 bags. The suspects then fled to a gray Dodge sedan and fled the scene. The male suspect was described as being 25-35 years of age, 6’2”, and 170 lbs with a red and black knit hat, brown leather jacket and white pants. The two females were 25-35 years of age, one in a tan sweater, green pants, and the other in a black jacket.

Between 11/29, 7pm and 11/30, 2:15pm on the 3500 block of California St, a suspect cut two padlocks off of an exterior storage container. The suspect removed 22 five gallon propane tanks. It is unknown how many of the tanks were actually full.

Early Thanksgiving morning, 29 year old Albert Bartal was run down at the Shell gas station on the corner of 9th and Geary by a man he fought with earlier at the nearby Jack in the Box.

The suspect, described as a mixed-race or Latino man, between 18 and 24 years old, with short black hair and a manicured beard, fled the scene and police are still looking for him. The suspect was driving a black Mazda CX-type SUV, with 12-spoke sport rims and possible front-end damage.

This week, in an effort to get assistance from the public, police released video of the suspect (see below) while he was at Jack in the Box.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is encouraged to call the Police Department’s anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.

Bartal remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries at SF General Hospital. For the past five years, he has worked as a seasonal firefighter at Cal Fire’s Saratoga Summit Fire Station in Santa Cruz County. Bartal also served four years of active duty as a Marine in Iraq.

SFPD also announced that a relief fund has been set up for Albert Bartal. People may make donations to account No. 1379608 at the San Francisco Police Credit Union, located at at 2550 Irving Street near 26th Avenue. Checks can be dropped off or mailed to:

Albert Bartal Relief Fund
C/O the San Francisco Police Credit Union
2550 Irving Street, CA. 94122
(Account # 1379608)

Bartal’s fellow firefighters from the California Division of Forestry set up the trust fund for his daughter and also to help pay for his medical bills.

UPDATE 11/30: Police arrested Eduardo Shaparo Esquivel, a 22-year old South San Francisco man. He’s being held with felony charges for mayhem, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with great bodily injury. Read more at SFWeekly

Sarah B.

Early on the morning of Thanksgiving, at 2:45am, SFPD reports that an attempted homicide occurred at the Shell gas station on the corner of 9th Avenue and Geary.

The incident started at the Jack in the Box located two blocks up on 11th and Geary. Two men got into an altercation at the restaurant, but they were eventually separated and both left the premises.

Jack in the Box is one of the last establishments that is open 24 hours a day on the west end of the city, and is a popular destination after the Richmond District bars close at 2am. Earlier this year, the restaurant worked with the SFPD and the community to clean up its act.

After the fight broke up, one man walked on his own to the Shell gas station located on 9th and Geary. The other man, described as a mixed race or Latin male, 18-24 years old, with short black hair and a manicured beard was then seen getting into a black Mazda CX type SUV with possible front end damage, and twelve spoke sports rims.

The driver then drove his vehicle into the gas station, striking the other man with his car, and then fled the scene. The victim received life threatening injuries.

Police released the photos below of the suspect, who was photographed at Jack in the Box during the initial incident.

The San Francisco Police Criminal Investigations Unit is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in this attempted homicide. Witnesses or persons with information are asked to call the anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444 or “Text-a-Tip” at TIP411 from their cell phones. Please include “SFPD” in the beginning of the text message.

Sarah B.

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of November 23, 2011. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN KEITH SANFORD’S MESSAGE
During our holiday season I want to express traffic and personal safety concerns for our citizens throughout the Richmond District and our City. We anticipate having increased traffic due to shoppers coming into the City and using our major street corridors to access downtown and the north/south bay. Daylight savings time is also a factor as darkness comes earlier causing visibility to be more difficult while driving and walking. When we are operating our vehicles it would be vitally important to slow down, observe the traffic signals/lights and most importantly watch for “PEDESTRIANS”. There will be seniors, children and families frequenting our businesses, restaurants and walking to their homes during these holidays.

The Safe Shoppers Program will be implemented during the holidays as officers will be present in the major shopping corridors and Muni Transit lines to ensure safety. It is important to attempt to shop with others or in groups, as it is safe in numbers. Do not place purchased gifts or property in open areas of your vehicles as this will stop individual from attempting to steal or break into your cars. Keep credit cards and cash inside your pockets, primarily front pockets to avoid pickpocket type of opportunities by criminals.

If you see suspicious individuals in or about your community or businesses, please notify our SFPD dispatch so that we can respond to the area and resolve any concerns.

I had the opportunity to meet with the President of the Police Advisory Board, David Lee to discuss traffic safety concerns relating to the Richmond District. It is the opinion that we need to educate our community on their responsibility of operating vehicles on our streets in a safe manner. The Advisory Board has a pamphlet which informs motorists and citizens as to the fines that can be issued through citations by the SFPD when violations occur. David also spoke of pedestrian right a way and jaywalking issues. We want our citizens to be safe when you operate a motor vehicle as well as when you are walking.

Our past community meeting held on 11/15/2011 at 7pm., had representatives from the MTA discussing the “Red Light Camera” program in our district. The presentation was quite informative and was well received by those in attendance. I would like to thank, Ellen Chin for choosing November 2011 speaker.

Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 11/13 at 3:14am, officers were patrolling the area of 25th and Geary when the observed the suspect, obviously intoxicated, stumble and almost fall to the ground. The officers stop to check on him and in conducting a pat search for weapons found a replica handgun in his waistband. Upon further inspection it was determined that it was an airsoft pistol. The 20 year old male was charged with being in possession of the pistol and public intoxication.

On 11/15 at 1am, officers were called to the area of 25th Ave and Seacliff on a report of males driving golf carts on the street. As officers arrived to the area, they observed 3 golf carts traveling east on California St towards 24th Ave with approximately 7 occupants on them. When they saw the patrol cars they abandoned the carts and scattered. Officers searched the area and found 2 of the juveniles hiding behind cars. The 16 and 17 year olds were charged with possession of stolen property and released to their parents. The carts were returned to the nearby golf course.

On 11/16 at 1am, officers were called to an assault on the 500 block of Clement St . When they arrived they observed the door man from a local bar trying to hold the suspect down on the ground. The officers attempted to detain the suspect who began to kick at the officers and violently resist. The officers were finally able to detain the suspect after he bit an officer in the hand, causing an injury to the officer. The door man told the officers that the suspect attempted to come into the bar but was refused because of his belligerent behavior. He tried to shove his way past the doorman and when another employee tried to assist, the suspect grabbed the other employee around the neck and tried to shove him to the ground. The 19 year old male was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

On 11/20 at 2:07am, officers were called to the area of the 400 block of Clement St regarding 6 males spray painting a building. When the officers arrived they saw several males standing in front of the building, who then walked away when they saw the officers. One of the males was holding a plastic shopping bag and when the officers told him to stop he dropped the bag and ran west on Clement St. When the bag fell to the ground a red spray paint can fell out. The officers detained the male on the 500 block of Clement St. The officers discovered 4 other cans of paint in the plastic bag and the colors matched what had been painted on the wall. The 17 year old male was charged with vandalism and released to his grandfather.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
Between 11/17, 7pm and 11/18, 8am on the 3100 block of Geary, two different businesses were broken into. The suspect gained entry into the first building via a rear window then kicked open an interior door. The loss is still being determined.

In the second building the suspect made entry by climbing into a rear window. In this incident cash was taken.

Between 11/17, 8pm and 11/18, 4am on the 3900 block of Geary, a suspect gained entry into a business by smashing out the window on a glass door. The suspect took cash.

On 11/18 between 10am and 10pm on the 300 block of El Camino Del Mar, a suspect gained entry into a residence by climbing on scaffolding and entering through an unlocked window. The suspect took jewelry.

On 11/20 at 11:20am, officers were called to the 3200 block of Jackson regarding a male who had scaled the front of a vacant building and climbed through a window. A search was conducted with the assistance of a canine unit, but the suspect had fled the scene.

On 11/20, between 12pm and 4pm on the 300 block of 22nd Ave, a suspect gained entry into a garage and took a bike and 6 bottles of wine. The garage door had been left open.

On 11/21 at 11am, a 77 year old male received a phone call at home from a female claiming to be his granddaughter. She told him that she was out of the country and needed money. The male sent $2500 through Western Union. On 11/22 he received another call from a woman who said she was calling from the Spanish Embassy and that his granddaughter needed another $2400 to fly home. At this point he called his son who told him that the granddaughter was not out of the country.

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of November 4, 2011. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN KEITH SANFORD’S MESSAGE
On Tuesday, 11/01/2011, our Police Advisory Board had the pleasure of meeting with the Director of Rec & Park, Phil Ginsburg. The Director discussed accomplishments of his department as well as the difficulties with short staffing. Our board expressed concerns of the events in the park and how they affect the neighborhood, traffic and overall safety of the community. The board and Director Ginsburg were mutually in agreement that community groups working with SAFE and city agencies will participate in the two major events next year that being “ Outside Lands ” and “Hardly Strictly Bluegrass”. Our contact person will be SAFE, Morgan St. Clair 415 553 1984.

On Friday, 11/04/2011, approximately 1:45 pm on the 400 block of 9th Ave , a home invasion robbery occurred where two suspects robbed the victims of medicinal marijuana. One of the suspects had been armed with a semi automatic handgun. Both suspects fled the scene with the marijuana as the victims called 911. Numerous officers from the Richmond Police District responded. Solo Motorcycle Officer C. Lyons responded and observed two suspects matching the description of the robbery suspects fleeing southbound on 9th Ave at Cabrillo. The suspects made an attempt to enter a parked red vehicle. Officer Lyons detained the suspects at gunpoint and took two robbery suspects into custody. One suspect possessed a loaded handgun while the second was in possession of marijuana. Excellent arrest by Officer Lyons and responding officers of Richmond Police Station.

Our next PCRF (Police Community Relations Forum) will be on November 15th, 2011 at 1pm and 7pm. The guest speaker for the evening meeting will be a representative from MTA speaking on Red Light Camera Enforcement. The meeting will be held at Richmond Police Station. Refreshments will be served.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 10/28 at 10:20am, the owner of a vacant building at 27th and Geary arrived with a contractor to get an estimate for a job. As they entered the building and went up the stairs, someone from above pointed a flashlight at them. Fearing it was a burglar, they left and called 911. Officers arrived and searched the building, finding the suspect hiding behind some cabinets. The owner pointed out several areas of the building where copper wiring and copper tubing had been cut from numerous electrical boxes. Officers located in the suspects backpack numerous burglar tools and narcotics. The 46 year old male was charged with burglary, possession of narcotics and burglar tools as well as a probation violation.

On 10/30 at 2:15am, officers were in the area of 3rd Ave and Geary and saw a physical altercation between two males. While running over to stop the fight, the officers observed one of the males punch the other in the face. One of the officers grabbed the males arm to prevent him from striking the male again and he tried to break free of the officers grasp to go after the other party. The male refused to listen to the officers and they were finally able to detain him. The officers spoke with the victim who has been punched in the face and he told them the other male was his friend and he refused all police action. Both parties were detained for public intoxication.

On 11/01 at 7:15am, plainclothes officers were conducting a follow-up investigation on the 400 block of 28th Ave. They observed a male sitting in a vehicle parked across the sidewalk. The male was wearing a long haired wig, sunglasses and gloves. The officers made contact with the male, who was someone they both recognized from previous arrests. The male was on probation and the officers conducted a search of the male and his vehicle. They located hundreds of lottery tickets and several cameras. The officers contacted the California State Lottery office and determined that the tickets were from a business on the 2400 block of Noriega St in the Taraval District. A Taraval officer responded to that location and met with the owner. They discovered that the store had in fact been burglarized and the suspect had made entry by breaking the glass on the skylight. The owner confirmed that the lottery tickets and cameras had been taken from his store. The 42 year old male was charged with burglary, possession of stolen property, narcotic and a probation violation.

On 11/02 at 2:25am, officers went on a call of a male spray painting the side of a building on the 5300 block of Geary. When the first officer arrived on scene several witnesses began pointing to a MUNI bus and they said the suspect had just boarded the coach. Officers located the male and detained him. The victim also on scene and he told the officers that as he drove up to his building he observed the male spray painting the glass and gate. He confronted the male who initially was apologetic. When the victim’s father came out the suspect became confrontational and threatened the two. The 28 year old male was charged with making threats and vandalism.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 10/27 at 1:45pm, the victim was waiting for a bus at Geary and 28th Ave. There were two other males at the same stop with him. One of them came over to the victim and grabbed him by the shirt collar and said he didn’t like the way the victim looked at him. The suspect then reached in the victims coat pocket and took his cell phone. The males then got on a bus and fled. The victim did not report this incident until the next day. The suspect was described as a male, 15-17 years of age, average build, wearing a gray beanie.

On 10/29 at 1:40am, officers were sent to a call of a fight at 3rd and Geary. They located the victim who was intoxicated and belligerent. He told the officers that he walked out of a bar and saw one of his friends in a verbal argument and attempted to interject. He was then “jumped” by these males and injured his ankle. The male was transported to a local hospital.

On 10/29, at 4pm, the victim was walking on the 700 block of 40th Ave when she was suddenly pushed from behind. This caused the victim to fall to the ground and hit her head. The suspect then grabbed her purse and fled north on 40th Ave. The victim was transported to a local hospital and unable to provide a description of the suspect.

Between 10/30, 4:30pm and 10/31, 9am on the unit block of Parker Ave , a suspect gained entry into a garage and took a bicycle. There were no signs of forced entry.

Between 10/29, 9pm and 10/30, 7:30am in the area of Balboa and 30th & 31st Ave , 7 vehicles had their windows smashed by unknown object.

On 11/01 between 4:00pm and 4:15pm, the victim was on an outbound MUNI bus on Geary between 6th Ave and
25th Ave. When she got home she realized that someone had removed her wallet that had been in her jacket pocket. She contacted her credit card companies and they told her that unauthorized purchases had already been made.

On 11/02, between 9:45pm and 10:45pm, four buildings had their window’s shot at with a BB gun. They are located on the 600 block of Lake, 1100 block of Lake, 4800 block of California and the 300 block of 15th Ave.

On 11/03, at 2:00am, the victim and a friend were walking on the 5300 block of Geary. The passed a group of males and females standing outside of a bar. Someone in the group made a comment to the victim, who said something in return and kept walking. One of the suspects then came over and hit then victim in the back of the head knocking him to the ground. The group then came over and kicked him all over his body, knocking him unconscious. The group then fled in a black BMW. The suspects were described as males, 20-25, wearing dark clothing.