Police Blotter – July 26, 2012

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of July 26, 2012. To be added to the station’s mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE
This week the Captain’s Message will be from Acting Captain Lt. Milanda Moore

I am honored to be providing the Captain’s Message for Richmond Station this week. My topic will be the security of abandoned buildings in the district. I have made it my personal assignment during my stay here in the Richmond to see to the proper securing of abandoned properties in the district. I have worked with the owners of the abandoned Delano’s Grocery store to remove the blight and make it secure. I have also worked with the owners of an abandoned residence on the unit block of 2900 Anza to remove graffiti and keep vagrants out. I am pleased to report that it is now under construction and monitored by the owners. Recently I notified the owners of a shuttered lounge on the unit block of 3500 Geary that graffiti was mounting since it had been closed. The owners took heed and have since repainted the building and the leasing company is making regular visits.

Buildings that are left unsecured for a long period of time fall victim to vandalism, copper thefts and squatters. The former Nigerian Consulate located on the unit block of 3200 Jackson Street has been abandoned since 1989. Police had to respond to numerous calls for service at that location. In August of 2011 a lone squatter took up residence in this $2.8 million dollar mansion and boldly resisted our officers, calling attention to the problem.

Another unfortunate example is the former convalescent home located on the 2600 block of Bush Street. This building has recently fallen prey to copper thefts. It is currently on the market to be leased and was not secure. Thieves managed to gain entry and pilfered copper wire and pipes. Officers have since met with the owner and are working with him to shore up the security so this does not happen again. It must be a priority for building owners and managers to maintain their properties to abate vagrancy and blight before it starts. I recommend all business owners in the Richmond District have an Emergency Card on file at Richmond Station. It is easy to fill out and will enable us to notify you of problems in a timely manner. SF SAFE will also do security assessments of your business if you want to make an appointment. I also request that all the residents and hard working people of the district to keep an eye open for abandoned buildings in our boundaries that are not secure. Please bring them to our attention so we can work with the owners. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes all of us to make the village safe.

Our next Community meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 6pm. It will be in the Community Room, here at Richmond Station, 461 6th Ave. (NOTE TIME CHANGE)

Acting Captain Lt. Milanda Moore

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
Malicious Mischief, Vandalism to Property, Vandalism or Graffiti Tools, Possession 120574068
On 7/20/2012 at approximately 10:09 pm, officers were working plain clothes, driving an unmarked patrol vehicle when they observed a male writing on the wall of 500 Clement St. The male was also with two other men who were acting as look outs. Officers detained the three suspects and recovered a spray paint can, markers and graffiti tag stickers. All three suspects were identified, cited and released from the scene.

Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Traffic Violation Arrest 120579767
On 7/23/2012 at approximately 1:30 am, officers were on patrol when they observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The officers affected a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The officers observed that the suspect had strong signs of intoxication. During a preliminary investigation, the suspect unsuccessfully performed the field sobriety tests and blew over a .300 on his blood alcohol breath test. The suspect was booked at County Jail.

Burglary, Residence, Unlawful Entry, Checks, Blank or Forged, Fraudulent Possession, Stolen Checks, Possession 120572222
On 7/24/2012 at approximately 12:15 am, officers were dispatched to a verbal altercation between two roommates on the 700 block of 36th Ave. When officers arrived they spoke with the victim. The victim stated that his check book had been stolen out of his room and a check was cashed for $90.00. The suspect attempted to cash another check, but the Bank declined to cash it. Both checks were made out to the suspect, who resided in the same building as the victim. Officers took the suspect into custody without incident and he was booked at County Jail.

Violation of Restraining Order 120583768
On 7/24/2012 at approximately 1:05 pm, an officer responded to a call of a violation of a restraining order. When the officer arrived he spoke to the victim who stated the suspect had violated a restraining order by sending emails to her. The officer verified the court document. Officers responded to the suspect’s residence and took him into custody without incident.

Methamphetamine Offense, Parole Violation, Adult, Marijuana Offense 120585695
On 7/25/2012 at approximately 1:30 am, officers observed the suspect walking in the middle of the roadway at Fulton and 29th Ave. Officers detained the suspect. A records check revealed the suspect was on active parole. During a parole search of the suspect the officers recovered a baggie of marijuana and a baggie of methamphetamine. The suspect was booked at County Jail.

Battery 120582873
On 7/24/2012 at approximately 6:50 am, officers responded to the 800 block of La Playa Street regarding a man yelling at people walking by. Officers arrived on scene and searched the area for the suspect to no avail. The officers found a victim who stated the suspect attacked him for no reason. The suspect approached the victim, punched him in the stomach and then kicked him numerous times in the stomach. The victim was transported to UCSF hospital for treatment. On 7/25/2012 at approximately 6:50 am, officers received a call from a witness who stated the suspect returned to the 800 block of La Playa. Officers responded to the location and took the suspect into custody. A records check revealed the suspect also had a warrant for his arrest. The suspect was booked at County Jail.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
Assault, w/Caustic Chemical to Injure or Disfigure, Battery 120572482
On 7/20/2012 at approximately 12:25 pm, officers were dispatched to meet with an ambulance at Geary St/Spruce St. regarding an assault that occurred on a Muni Bus. When officers arrived they spoke with the Muni Inspector who stated that a passenger on the bus had been pepper sprayed. The victim stated she was sitting in the rear of the bus when three suspects entered and sat behind her. When the suspects were leaving the bus, one of the suspects said something to her that she could not understand and sprayed her in the face with the unknown chemical. All three suspects fled the scene.

Burglary, Other Building, Forcible Entry 1205716964
On 7/20/2012 at approximately 6:00 am, officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Geary Blvd. on a call of a window smash. When officers arrived they observed the front glass door of the business was broken. The officers also observed a metal clamp lying on the sidewalk next to the business and two other clamps inside the business on the floor. There were four electronic devices stolen from the store. Officers searched the area for the suspect(s) to no avail. All the evidence found at the scene was booked at Richmond Station.

Robbery, Street or Public Place, w/Force 120578076
On 7/20/2012 the victim came into Richmond Station to report a robbery. The victim stated that he was having a couple of drinks at a bar on Geary when he was cornered by the unknown suspects in front of the bar. The suspects demanded the victim’s wallet and phone. The victim complied because he was in fear of his safety. The suspects fled the scene.

Burglary, Hot Prowl, Forcible Entry 120577539
On 7/21/2012 at approximately 9:30 pm, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Collins St. on a call of a burglary. When officers arrived they met with the victim who stated she was home in bed when she got up to go to the bathroom. When the victim entered the hallway, she came face to face with the suspect. The victim believed the suspect was a friend of her roommate so she said hi. The suspect said hi and fled the house. When the victim’s roommate returned home, she stated that the suspect was not her friend and she didn’t know him. The victim’s roommate entered her room and observed her laptop, jewelry box, wallet and I-pod were stolen. The victims immediately contacted police.

Theft, Pickpocket, $200-$950 120579422
On 7/22/2012 the victim came into Richmond Station to report a theft. The victim stated at approximately 12:30 am, she was dancing at a bar on the 3800 block of Geary St. with her hand bag over her shoulder. The victim stated the handbag was closed when she started dancing. A few minutes later she observed her handbag was open and her wallet was missing. The victim did not have any suspect description but the suspects attempted to use her credit cards later that night.

Theft, Other Property, $200-$950 120578286
On 7/22/2012 at approximately 10:30 am, officers were dispatched to a call of a theft on the 3300 block of Balboa. When officers arrived they spoke with the suspect who stated he went into the café and took out his wallet to pay for his coffee. The victim stated that once he left the café, he remembered that he left the wallet on the counter. When he returned to the café, his wallet was gone. Officers checked the surveillance cameras in the area which showed a female suspect approaching the counter to order. The suspect appeared to see the wallet on the counter. When the suspect got her food order, she covered the wallet with it. As she left the café, she picked up the wallet underneath her order and left the cafe.

Robbery, Street or Public Place, W/Force 120582221
On 7/23/2012 at approximately 9:00 am, officers were dispatched to a robbery on the 1500 block of Divisadero St. When officers arrived they met with the victim who stated she was walking on the east side of the sidewalk, when the suspect approached her. The suspect grabbed the cell phone from her hand and the earphones from her ears. The suspect fled the scene.