Crime Beat

NEW SAN DIEGO POLICE CHIEF NAMED

 

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

February 27, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego Police Department will soon be headed up by its first female Chief.  Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman will replace retiring Chief William Lansdowne, who steps down March 3.  Lansdowne leaves office following a series of scandals including allegations of sexual misconduct by officers, so the choice of a woman to head up the department can be viewed as sending a strong signal that the city is serious about cleaning up the department's tarnished image.

Zimmerman has the support of Mayor-Elect Kevin Faulconer as well as the San Diego Police Officers Association.


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SAN DIEGO POLICE CHIEF STEPS DOWN

 

 

By Nadin Abbott

February 26, 2014 (San Diego) Chief William Lansdowne has announced he will step down as the San Diego Police Chief effective on March 3. This comes amid a series of scandals involving the police force.


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HOMICIDE SUSPECTED IN DEATH OF BOULEVARD MAN

By Miriam Raftery

February 25, 2014 (Boulevard) – A Boulevard woman reported finding her husband, Frank Paul Caruso, dead with head trauma in an outbuilding on their property in the 2300 block of Tierra Heights Road in Boulevard on February 24 at 6 a.m. 

“The investigation is in its early stages, however the death is believed to be a homicide,” said Lt. Glenn Giannantonio with the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail. No suspect has been identified yet.


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COUNTY TO HOST SUMMIT ON PREVENTING COMMUNITY VIOLENCE MARCH 1ST

 

February 24, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - The public is invited to a Community Violence Prevention Summit on Saturday, March 1 hosted by San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and members of her office, along with County Probation Department officers  and the San Diego Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention.


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FBI RELEASES PRELIMINARY SEMIANNUAL CRIME STATISTICS FOR 2013 - SAN DIEGO VIOLENT CRIME RATE DROPS 7.5 PERCENT WHILE PROPERTY CRIME INCREASES 3.15 PERCENT

 

February 23, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Statistics released in the FBI’s Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report reveal declines in both the violent crime and the property crime reported in the first six months of 2013 when compared with figures for the first six months of 2012. The report is based on information from 12,723 law enforcement agencies that submitted three to six months of comparable data to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program for the first six months of 2012 and 2013.


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PROBATION SWEEP IN EAST COUNTY

 

February 22, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A multi-agency probation sweep in East County conducted on Friday, February 21 resulted in 17 arrests.

Deputies and officers visited probationers in Santee, Lakeside and El Cajon to see if they were following the conditions of their release, also working with Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Enforcement at San Diego Trolley stations in the area to conduct compliance checks on passengers.


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BURGLARY SUSPECT BUSTED IN RAMONA

 

February 14, 2014 (Ramona)—Matilda Abaez, 42, has been arrested after residents found her inside a neighbor’s garage and called  for help.  Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of a burglary in progress shortly before 2 p.m. today in the 200 block of Kalbaught Street, Ramona.


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SANTEE SHERIFF SEEKS HELP TO NAB COPPER CROOKS

 

 

February 13, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Investigators with the Santee Sheriff's Station want your help in identifying and locating those responsible in a series of electrical copper wiring thefts.


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SEXUAL PREDATOR PROPOSED FOR RELEASE IN SPRING VALLEY

 

Update: This hearing has been cancelled. Details pending.

Hearing March 17; public comment Feb. 14-21

February 13, 2014 (Spring Valley)--The California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) has recommended the placement of  Terry Stone, a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) at 2919 Millar Ranch Road in Spring Valley. This address falls within the jurisdiction of the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station.



Terry Stone was convicted of molesting several children between the ages of 6 and 11.


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TENTING FOR TERMITES? BEWARE OF INTRUDERS

By Miriam Raftery

 

February 8, 2014 (San Diego)--If you’re planning to tent your house to get rid of termites, you’d better be aware of another unwanted “pest.”


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NEW STUDY DETAILS THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC SAFETY REALIGNMENT ON LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

                                                                                                                                                                               

 

February 8, 2014 (San Diego County) - Due to statewide public safety realignment, 35 percent of all inmates in local detention facilities in San Diego County are offenders with more serious criminal histories who would have previously been housed in state prison – and these realigned offenders (who are generally at a higher risk of recidivism) now make up 15 percent of the local probation case load, according to a new SANDAG study.


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STOLEN VEHICLE CHASE ENDS IN CRASH

 

February 6, 2014 (Alpine)—A stolen car being pursued by Sheriff’s deputies crashed into another vehicle in Alpine on February 3. 

The incident began at 7:53 p.m., when a deputy from the Sheriff's Alpine Substation observed an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the Viejas Casino parking lot. He and his partners monitored the vehicle and observed two men get into the car and proceed out of the parking lot.


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SHERIFF'S DEPT. WARNS OF PHONY PEACE OFFICER CALLS ASKING FOR CASH

 

 

February 3, 2014 (San Diego)--Residents of San Diego County are being asked to report any calls they receive from someone claiming to be a peace officer and subsequently asking for cash payment, the Sheriff’s Department announced this week.


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FATHER AND SON INJURED IN ALTERCATION WITH GUNMAN IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO

 

February 2, 2014 (Rancho San Diego) – Yesterday at 11:08 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies from the Lemon Grove Station responded to a report of "shots fired" and a victim lying in the driveway in the 11600 block of Calle Simpson in Rancho San Diego.  Two male suspects were last seen leaving south on Calle Simpson towards Weighorst Way in a black four-door sedan and have not yet been located. Deputies found a  25 year-old victim, whose face and head were covered in blood. The victim's father,  52, also suffered injuries and was bleeding from his right eye.

Deputies learned the victim had been standing in the driveway of his home waiting for his girlfriend when he was approached by a Hispanic male, about 5'11", 160 lbs, wearing a black beanie, blue hoodie sweatshirt and gray pants. “The victim got into physical altercation with this suspect and a second suspect stepped out of a parked black four-door sedan and walked toward them. This suspect pulled out a gun and pointed it at the victim,” said Lieutenant Dave Schaller.


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SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING AFTER VICTIM ALERTED LA MESA POLICE

 

February 1, 2014 (La Mesa)—After receiving a call from a male victim stating he was being held against his will in a black Ford Expedition vehicle traveling west on University Avenue near Park Avenue, La Mesa Police responded. The victim gave location updates to a police dispatcher, presenting he was talking to a friend, and reported that the suspect had a gun.


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SHERIFF ANNOUNCES SUPERBOWL DUI PATROLS, SAYS "FANS DON'T LET FANS DRIVE DRUNK"

 

February 1, 2014 (San Diego)--The Sheriff's Department plans to execute a winning game plan with increased DUI patrols across the county to stop drunk drivers on Super Bowl Sunday, the biggest day of the year for football fans.

Increased DUI patrols by deputies will start at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2 and continue through 5 a.m. Monday.

More alcohol-related car crashes happen on Super Bowl Sunday in California than on any other Sunday in January and February, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.


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SUSPECTED METAL THIEVES ARRESTED







February 1, 2014 (Spring Valley) – Man caught in act of stealing air conditioning components, Sheriff reports. On January 30, James David Solak, 22 and his girlfriend, Jace Tanay Hernandez, 29, were arrested in conjunction with a series of thefts of recyclable metals.

“At this time, we believe Solak is responsible for more than 15 of these thefts, ranging from schools to commercial buildings, with a total damage estimate in excess of $200,000,” said Sergeant Greg Hampton.


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VICTIMS AND WITNESSES SOUGHT AFTER MAN ASSAULTED IN SPRING VALLEY DIES

 

2 teens arrested for skateboard attacks in area

January 28, 2014 (Spring Valley) -- The Sheriff's Homicide Division is asking for the public's help in identifying additional victims or witnesses in connection with an assault in Spring Valley.



On January 14th just before 7 p.m., 61‐year old Daniel Sparks was found lying in the intersection of Gillespie Drive and Frederick Street with his head bleeding. It is believed two young males attacked him with a skateboard—one of three known skateboard attacks in the vicinity.


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SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN HATCHET ATTACK ON JEWELER IN EL CAJON

 

January 24, 2014 (El Cajon)—Travis Scott Kelley, 23, of San Diego has been arrested for assaulting the 75-year-old owner of Hamlin Jewelers in El Cajon with the blunt end of a hatchet.  He is charged with attempted homicide, armed robbery, elder abuse and more.

A La Mesa man, Ali Armeen Toombs, 21, is also in custody for driving the getaway car.  Toombs faces charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and robbery.


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CAMPAIGN SERVICES PRO ARRAIGNED FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE CRIMES IN SAN DIEGO RACES

Ravneet Singh Allegedly Facilitated Nearly $300,000 in Illegal Foreign Contributions to Campaigns in San Diego, including D.A. Bonnie Dumanis, ex-Mayor Bob Filner and a federal candidate

As part of conspiracy, Former SDPD Detective Ernesto Encinas Allegedly Sought to Fire Sam Diego’s Chief of Police and Pick His Replacement

January 23, 2014 (San Diego)--Ravneet Singh,  proprietor of Washington, D.C.-based ElectionMall, Inc., was arraigned January 21 on charges that he conspired to finance political campaigns using money from an illegal foreign source. Singh was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents on Friday, January 17,  pursuant to an arrest warrant.


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EL CAJON POLICE SEEK HELP TO FIND MAN WHO ATTACKED HAMLIN JEWELERS' OWNER WITH A HATCHET

 

 

January 23, 2014 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have released surveillance photos of a suspect who assaulted the owner of Hamlin Jewelers with the hammer end of a hatchet. The suspect is wanted for attempted murder and armed robbery.

The suspect apparently entered the business at 2234 Fletcher Parkway on a ruse to buy merchandise. After viciously assaulting the owner, the suspect fled to a waiting Toyota 4-Runner with possible partial license of 4XU245; it may have been silver or tan in color and was driven by an unidentified accomplice.


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SDG&E DRIVER ARRESTED FOR FATAL HIT AND RUN

 

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

January 23, 2014 (El Cajon ) – El Cajon Police have arrested Hector Hoyt, an SDG&E worker who is accused of fleeing the scene after striking a 54-year-old man crossing Jamacha Road on January 6. 

Hoyt was driving his SDG&E utility truck at the time. SDG&E has indicated that Hoyt is no longer an employee and that he was not using the vehicle for company business at the time of the fatal crash.


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DEMOCRATS KILL JONES' BILL TO EXPAND DEFINITION OF SERIOUS FELONIES

 

January 20, 2014 (Sacramento)-- On a strict 5-2 party-line vote, Democrat committee members killed legislation by Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) last week that would add human trafficking, solicitation to commit murder and felony child abuse to the list of “serious crimes” in the Penal Code. Assembly Bill (AB) 1321 was defeated in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

“I wish I could say I’m surprised, but I’m not,” said Assemblyman Jones.  “The Democrats are more fearful about prison overcrowding than they are of dangerous felons roaming the streets.”


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WOMAN ROBBED AT GUNPOINT IN LA MESA

 

January 16, 2014 (La Mesa) – Last night at 7 p.m., La Mesa Police received a 911 call from a woman who had just been robbed at gunpoint  in the 7600 block of Normal Avenue by two young men in black ski masks who stole her purse.


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SEMPRA ENERGY TRUCK SEIZED IN HIT AND RUN FATALITY

 

By Miriam Raftery

Victim identified as Robert Fisher, 54

January 10, 2014 (El Cajon)  -- El Cajon Police today announced that investigators have recovered a work truck owned by SDG&E/Sempra Energy that police believe fled the scene after striking a pedestrian on January 6th shortly after 10 p.nm. at Main Street and Jamacha Road. 

The pedestrian, Robert Fisher, 54, was later struck by a second vehicle and died at the scene.

“The vehicle seized is a white 2008 Ford 550 work truck owned by SDGE/Sempra Energy. Current evidence indicates the vehicle was not operating in an official, on-duty capacity at the time of the collision,” said Lt. R. Soulard with El Cajon Police. “SDG&E/Sempra Energy has been fully cooperative in this investigation,” Lt. Soulard added.


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PEDESTRIAN DIES AFTER DRIVER FLEES SCENE: EL CAJON POLICE SEEK WHITE FORD TRUCK

 

January 7, 2014 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police ask public help to locate a white Ford truck that struck a pedestrian near Main Street and Jamacha at 10:09 p.m. last night. After the driver fled the scene, the pedestrian was hit by another vehicle and died at the scene.

It is believed that the initial vehicle involved in the collision that left the scene was a 2008-2010 Ford F-350 to F-550 utility work truck.  This truck is white in color, with a decal/logo on the front door, and is equipped with a personnel bucket lift/crane and a utility bed.  The truck should have damage to the right headlight area as a result of the collision.


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RAMONA MAN ARRESTED IN ROAD RAGE INCIDENT IN POWAY

January 5, 2014 (Ramona) – Yesterday, El Cajon Police Department arrested Ramona resident Douglas Lane, 50, for a road rage incident on State Route 67 back on October 26 that resulted in injury to a bicyclist.

On October 26, 2013 at 9:48 a.m., Poway Sheriff’s deputies responded to a vehicle collision on State Route 67 north of Poway Road. Drivers of two vehicles were involved n a dispute over right of way as the highway merged from two lanes to one lane, said Deputy A. Meleen. 


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ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED IN EL CAJON, THANKS TO TIPS FROM PUBLIC

 

January 5, 2014 (El Cajon ) -- El Cajon Police requested the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who was involved in two armed robberies that occurred on Monday December 30, 2013, Thursday January 2, 2014 and an attempted robbery on Wednesday January 1, 2014.

"Based on information received from tipsters and witnesses the suspect was located at an address in El Cajon," said Lt. Frank La Haye.  "The suspect was contacted as he was leaving an address on S. Magnolia.  After a brief foot chase he was apprehended without further incident in the 600 block of Van Houten Avenue."


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U.S. CITIZEN DIES IN BORDER PATROL CUSTODY IN PINE VALLEY

 

January 1, 2013 (Pine Valley ) – Steven Brian Keith, 58, died in a holding cell on Christmas morning shortly after midnight  after being detained for possession of three pounds of marijuana at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Pine Valley.  A pipe with methamphetamine traces was also found in the trunk.

According to the County Medical Examiner, Keith was found unresponsive in his holdng cell. Paraemedics were summoned and CPR was initiated, but he failed to respond.


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JUDGE SHORE POSTPONES DECISION ON PLACEMENT OF SEXUAL PREDATOR IN JACUMBA

 

 

By Nadin Abbott

December 31, 2013 (San Diego)—On December 23rd, Judge Howard Shore delayed his final decision on the placement of Mikel Wayne Marshall, a convicted sexual predator, in Jacumba Hot Springs on a conditional release. Shore said that he wants to personally inspect the property recommended by state officials before making his final decision after hearing compelling testimony from residents, including a survivor of sexual abuse who resides in Jacumba Hot Springs.


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