Police Blotter – August 14 & 21, 2009

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of August 14 and 21, 2009. The station was a bit behind in publishing their blotters, so this edition includes the past two weeks. To be added to the station’s mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org or visit their website.]

AUGUST 14, 2009

CAPTAIN RICHARD CORREIA’S MESSAGE
Experience tells us that a small number of individuals are responsible for a disproportionate amount of criminal activity, and that some areas are more prone to crime than others. As such, effective law enforcement tactics are based trend analysis. The following two arrest cases will no doubt result in a decline in our burglary rates while the individuals are in custody.

On August 12, 2009 plain clothes Officers from Richmond Station were driving near the Cliff House, focusing their attention on an area that experiences a disproportionate number of automobile burglaries. Criminals target this area because of the number of tourists that leave property in vehicles because they are unaware of the risks. The officer noticed a known parolee waling on Point Lobos. The parolee immediately “made” the officers. The officers stopped the parolee and they found a knife and burglar tools in his possession. The subject has a criminal history that included forty-four felonies and thirty-six misdemeanor arrests. Most of the arrests have been for burglary and possession of burglar tools. This individual is likely responsible for several automobile burglaries each day.

On 08/10/09 officers were in the area of Ninth Avenue and Anza Street in connection burglary call. There they spotted the suspect and arrested him for attempted burglary, trespassing and parole violation. The suspect in this incident is a career criminal with thirty-one felony arrests and fourteen misdemeanor arrests. Most of this individual’s contact with law enforcement has been related to burglaries, robberies and illicit drugs.

During the past week, there were 21 traffic accidents, 4 involving injuries, and 3 DUI arrests.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 08/06/09 at 11:11 pm a vehicle was stopped for having an expired registration. A computer check revealed that the driver was driving on a suspended license and had an outstanding arrest warrant. The driver was arrested and booked at Richmond Station.

On 08/07/09 at 8:13 pm officers responded to the area of 17th Avenue and Geary Boulevard regarding a report of a fight. The suspect, according to dispatch, appeared to be intoxicated. The suspect fled in a white SUV. A witness noted the license plate of the vehicle and a computer check revealed the registered owner’s address. Officer’s responded to the address on file and they observed the vehicle matching the license plate being driven by a person that matched the suspect’s description. The officer’s made contact with the driver who appeared intoxicated. There were two child passengers in the back seat of the vehicle. A computer check revealed that the driver had a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding warrant out of Daly City. Further investigation revealed that the victim of the fight had been assaulted by the suspect because the victim tried to prevent the suspect from drivin g drunk with two children in the vehicle. The driver was arrested and the children were placed with child protective services.

On 08/08/09 at 2:36 pm officers responded to the 1000 Block of Great Highway regarding a threats report. The victim said an unknown suspect followed him and said inappropriate things to him and his dog. The victim became fearful for his safety and his life when the suspect threatened to shoot him. Officers detained the suspect which the victim positively identified. A computer check revealed that the suspect was on parole. The suspect was arrested for criminal threats and parole violation.

On 08/08/09 at 4:15 pm officers responded to 850 La Playa regarding a call of a suspicious person possibly casing vehicles in the area. A male subject matching the description given by dispatch was detained. A computer check on the subject revealed that he had a “R 20;no bail” warrant for his arrest. The suspect was placed under arrest and booked at Richmond Station.

On 08/09/09 at 8:05 am an officer was dispatched to the 100 Block of Funston Avenue for a well being check on a male sleeping in a vehicle. The officers woke the subject and asked him if he was alright. The subject said “Yes, I’m just sleeping”. He stated that he found the vehicle unlocked and fell asleep inside. A pat search of the subject revealed filed down keys, normally used by auto burglars to illegally gain entry into vehicles. Other officers arrived on scene and assisted in the investigation. The owner of the vehicle came on scene and stated that he never gave anyone permission to enter his vehicle or to rummage through his property. He also stated that he had locked his vehicle when he parked it. A bicycle was discovered in close proximity of the suspect and the vehicle. Numerous burglary tools were located inside a bag that was secured on the rear of the bicycle. The suspect was arrested for burglary, possession of burglary tools, and parole violation (for burglary).

On 08/10/09 at 2:07pm officers responded to the 400 Block of 9th Avenue regarding a report of an attempted burglary. The victim heard a loud noise coming from the back of his apartment that sounded like someone was trying to force his door and window open. The victim said he saw a male standing outside on his back deck, lifting up his kitchen window. The victim asked the suspect “what are you doing?” and the male said he was looking for someone. The suspect then walked down the fire escape and fled south on 8th Avenue. The victim called 911 as he followed the suspect but lost sight of him. A broadcast of the suspect’s description was made by dispatch. Officers spotted a subject matching the suspect’s description. The subject appeared to be “ducking” and was avoiding detection. The suspect was detained, identified by the victim and a computer check revealed that he was on parole. The suspect was arrested for attempted burglary, trespassing, and parole violation.

On 08/11/09 at 12:20 pm an officer responded to the area of Park Presidio and Fulton regarding a non-injury vehicle accident. Upon conducting an exchange of information, one driver said she did not have her driver’s license on her but had a picture id. The driver was cited for having an expired registration tab, no proof of insurance and failure to present a valid driver’s license.

On 08/12/09 at 4 pm plain clothes officers in the area of Great Highway and John F. Kennedy Drive spotted a known auto burglar that was on parole. A parole search of the subject revealed a pocket knife that had damages that appeared to be consistent with prying vehicle windows and doors, in violation of his parole terms. The suspect was arrested and booked ant Richmond Station.

On 08/12/09 at 11:53 pm an officer responded to 850 La Playa Street regarding a subject in custody for shoplifting. The suspect was caught stealing a bottle of wine, placing it inside his right front pants pocket and failed to pay for it prior to exiting the store. The arrest was taken from the store’s security. A computer check revealed that the suspect had just been released from San Quentin Prison and that he had numerous active traffic warrants. The suspect was booked at Richmond Station for the theft and the warrants.

On 08/13/09 at 12:23 am officers stopped a vehicle in the area of Geary Boulevard and Arguello Boulevard for not having its headlights turned on during darkness. Upon making contact with the driver, the officers smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver’s breath. The driver said he had not consumed any alcoholic beverages. A Field Sobriety Test was conducted and the driver was not able to perform all of the tests satisfactorily. A Preliminary Alcohol Screening test was administered which resulted in a reading of excessive alcohol in the driver’s breath. The driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

On 08/13/09 at 2 am an officer stopped a vehicle in the area of Geary Boulevard and Funston Avenue for an illegal left turn. Upon making contact with the driver, the officer smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver’s breath. A Field Sobriety Test was conducted and the driver was not able to perform any of the tests. A Preliminary Alcohol Screening test was administered which resulted in a reading of excessive alcohol in the driver’s breath. The driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

On 08/14/09 at 12:11 am officers responded to the 6100 Block of Geary Boulevard regarding a report of a person with a gun. Officer’s detained an intoxicated male suspect that matched the description given by dispatch. According to the victim, the suspect threatened to shoot everyone in the bar. A computer check on the suspect revealed that he had an outstanding warrant from Daly City. The suspect was arrested for criminal threats and for the outstanding warrant. No firearm was seen or located.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 08/13/09 at 9:38 pm officers responded to 850 La Playa Street regarding a battery incident. According to the victim, he was sitting in the park at La Playa and Fulton Street with the suspect when the suspect started punching him on his face and body. The suspect fled the area after the beating. The victim was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital where he was treated. A search of the area for the suspect had negative results.

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AUGUST 21, 2009

CAPTAIN RICHARD CORREIA’S MESSAGE
On August 18, 2009 a teenager was set upon and seriously assaulted by an individual with whom she had been casually acquainted. The assault occurred in the early evening on the 4700 Block of Geary Boulevard. The suspect fled the scene as the victim’s terrified family members rushed out of their home after hearing sounds of a scuffle. The victim injuries included abrasions and lacerations that required sutures. On the morning of August 19, 2009 Inspector Ken Esposto from the Juvenile Bureau commenced his follow-up investigation and the suspect was in police custody within hours.

During the past week, there were 21 traffic accidents, 10 involving injuries, and 4 DUI arrests. There were 7 citations issued for driving without a license or driving on a suspended license.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 08/14/09 at 6:12pm plainclothes officers were patrolling in the area of 21st Avenue and Geary. They saw a suspect approaching several different pedestrians and noticed that the suspect would walk along with them for 30-40 feet. Officers saw the suspect approach a female and try to engage her in conversation. It appeared the female was uncomfortable with the suspect’s attention as she picked up her pace and walked closer to the curb to get away from him. The officers approached the suspect and determined that he was in possession of a dagger, which was concealed in his pocket. The suspect, a 39-year-old male was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

On 08/15/09 at 9:30pm officers responded to a call of a fight at 47th Avenue and Cabrillo Street. Officers detained a subject who was leaving the area and conducted a warrant check. It was determined that he had outstanding warrants for burglary and grand theft. Further investigation determined that he was not involved in the fight. The male, a 45 year old was charged with the warrants.

On 08/15 at 11:52pm officers responded to a call of a burglary in progress on the 600 block of 32nd Avenue. A caller was watching from his residence and could see the suspects inside the building located there. As officers arrived on scene they saw three suspects running near the football field. One suspect was detained as he attempted to escape via a hole in the fence. The other two attempted to hide in the brush. The three suspects, all juveniles, were charged with trespassing and released to their parents.

On 08/16/09 at 11:38am, an officer had conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at 25th Avenue and Clement. While the officer was speaking to the driver a male approached the officer on foot and began yelling obscenities at him. The officer informed the male that he was interfering with his duties and that he needed to leave the area. The male left but returned a short time later, continuing his tirade. The male was highly agitated and told the officer to “bring it on” and at this point the officer asked for back up. The male was instructed to place his hands on the wall as he was under arrest. The male began to comply but then spun around and told the officer that he wasn’t going to be arrested. The officer discharged his pepper spray but the male took off running. He was detained by the responding back up officers and charged with obstructing an officer, and resisting arrest. The 50-year-old male also had an outstanding warrant from Santa Clara County.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
Between 08/07/09 and 08/17/09 on the 600 block of 48th Avenue a suspect entered into an apartment and took game systems, a television, cash and laptops.

Between 08/14/09 at 6:00am and 08/16/09 at 7:30am on the, a suspect entered into an apartment on the 2200 block of Divisadero by prying open the front door. The suspect took two laptops, a desktop computer and jewelry.

On 08/15 /09 at 2:55am a victim was walking to his car on the 100 block of Palm Avenue with his girlfriend and another person when he was suddenly attacked by three males. The victim was punched in the face and then dragged into the street by the suspects where they kicked and punched him all over his body. The girlfriend jumped in and dragged the victim away. The suspects fled in several vehicles. The victim was treated at the scene for his injuries.

Between 08/15/09 at 6:00pm and 08/16/09 at 7:00am a suspect gained entry into a garage on the 700 block of Lake Street and took a set of golf clubs.

On 08/18/09 between 10:25am and 1:00pm a suspect entered an apartment on the 4300 block of Balboa and took cameras, an I-pod and a watch. There were no signs of forced entry.

On 08/18/09 at 4:15pm a suspect lit a piece of newspaper on fire and deposited it into a mailbox at 39th Avenue and Geary. A US Postal inspector and the SFPD Arson unit came to the scene and commenced an investigation, which is ongoing.

On 08/18/09 at 5:10pm two victims were in the playground on the 400 block of 18th Avenue when they saw a teenage male suspect pour a liquid on one of the benches and light the liquid, causing the bench to burst into flames. The teenager then walked over to a garbage can and attempted to light the liner on fire. As the victims approached the suspects, the suspects ran over to the bench and began to stomp out the flames. The suspects then tried to exit via the gate and one of the victims grabbed the suspect in an attempt to detain him. The suspect pushed the victim and spat in her face. The suspect fled south on 18th Ave towards Anza.

On 08/18/09 at 3:14am officers were flagged down regarding a vehicle fire at 21st Avenue and Balboa. Officers arrived at the scene and saw paper burning under the vehicle, which had caused moderate damage to the car. The SFFD responded and extinguished the fire. Arson investigators and Richmond Station undercover officers are investigating the incident.

On 08/20/09 at 5:11am a victim was walking north on Divisadero at Sutter Street. A male suspect approached the victim from behind and grabbed her purse. The victim struggled with the suspect for a short time but finally released the purse and the suspect fled eastbound on Sutter. The male was described as being 20-25 years of age wearing a plaid jacket and baggie pants.