Directory of Prior Reports

On 11/30/03 at approximately 11:00am, Officer Ryan Carcione noticed a male asleep on the sidewalk near 11100 San Pablo Ave. After speaking with the male, Officer Carcione determined the subject was required to register with a Police Department as a convicted sexual offender. The subject had not complied with his registration requirements and was subsequently arrested. Michael Simms, a transient black male adult, was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender. Mr. Simms was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department and taken to the detention facility in Martinez. A criminal complaint will be sought with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4423.

On 11/28/03, Officer Gilbert Tang located a reported stolen vehicle traveling in the area of Belmont Av and San Diego Ave. Officer Tang subsequently arrested the driver, Mario Castillo, a black male adult and resident of Richmond. Also arrested at the time was Jennifer Brayfield, a white female adult and resident of Richmond. Both subjects were booked at the El Cerrito Police Department and Mr. Castillo was taken to the detention facility in Martinez.

With this arrest, Officer Tang has qualified for a stolen vehicle award from the California Highway Patrol and the AAA insurance company. Officer Tang will receive his “10851” award at a ceremony in the coming months. “10851” is the specific California Vehicle Code section for possessing a stolen vehicle.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Sergeant Shawn Maples, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4423.

On 11/24/03, Officer Ryan Carcione attempted to stop a stolen motor vehicle in the area of San Pablo Ave and Hill St. The vehicle fled from Officer Carcione and a short vehicle pursuit ensued through the El Cerrito hills. Officer Carcione terminated the pursuit as the suspect vehicle continued to increase its speed of travel. A short time later, Police Chief Kirkland located the vehicle on Tamalpais Ave and Officer Mark Greenwood located three juveniles who were running from the area. The juveniles were arrested and booked at the El Cerrito Police Department for possession of a stolen vehicle and evading arrest.

The juveniles were released to family members at the completion of booking. A criminal complaint will be sought with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Sergeant Shawn Maples, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4423.

On 11/23/03, officers from the El Cerrito Police Department responded to a grab and run from the Target Store at 11450 San Pablo Ave. A black male suspect fled the area in a vehicle with stolen merchandise from the store. Officer Jeff Doty located the vehicle on Creely Ave in Richmond. Officer Doty arrested the suspect, identified as Jamie Seed Camel, a black male adult and resident of Richmond. Mr. Camel was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department for petty theft with prior petty thefts. Mr. Camel was taken to the detention facility in Martinez. A criminal complaint will be sought with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Bill Savko, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4419.

On 11/23/03 at approximately 10:00am, Sgt Scott Cliatt conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle at San Pablo Ave and Sutter Ave. The driver, later identified as Tawn Saechao, an Asian male adult and resident of San Pablo, presented false identification to Sgt Cliatt. During the investigation, Mr. Saechao was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of a loaded and concealed firearm. Mr. Saechao was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department and taken to the detention facility in Martinez. A criminal complaint will be sought with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Sergeant Shawn Maples, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4423.

On 11/20/2003, at approximately 2050 hours, Officer Barr responded to a disturbance at the Target parking lot involving a man and a woman. Officers determined that the male half of the disturbance had accused the mother of his three children with cheating on him. The two began to struggle as the male subject attempted to take her cellular telephone. Family members arrived just prior to the police and were able to subdue the suspect.

Arrested was Sherwood Dexter Lamar Ruffin, a 24-year-old resident of Vallejo. Ruffin was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on charges of attempted grand theft and battery before he was delivered to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will later seek a formal complaint against Ruffin with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419.

On 11/20/2003, at approximately 1437 hours, Officer Wentworth was dispatched to Granter’s Jewelry and Loan to investigate a reported theft. The employee stated that a male subject entered the business and asked to see a ring. When the ring was presented to him, the suspect turned toward the exit and began to leave. The employee grabbed the suspect who, in turn, threw the ring down and fled on foot. The suspect was located at the El Cerrito Plaza a short time later and taken into custody.

Arrested was Larry Laverne Rease, a 49-year-old resident of Oakland. Rease was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on charges of attempted grand theft and was delivered to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will later seek a formal complaint against Rease with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419.

On 11/19/2003, at approximately 1823 hours, Officer Shaman was dispatched to Ross (Dress for Less) to investigate a reported disturbance between a customer and employee. Officer Shaman telephoned the store and spoke with an employee who advised him that the customer in question had concealed clothing inside a backpack. The employee also added that the same customer had stolen from their store in the past.

As officers arrived, the employee advised that the suspect had left the store with stolen merchandise and was walking towards Albertson’s. Officer Shaman obtained a suspect description and located/detained the culprit after a brief foot pursuit.

Arrested was Sherone Lamar Bradley, a 22-year-old resident of Oakland. Bradley was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on a charge of 2nd degree commercial burglary and was delivered to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against Bradley with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419

On 11/18/2003, at approximately 1830 hours, Officer Shaman responded to Copeland’s Sports at the El Cerrito Plaza to investigate a report of embezzlement. A Copeland’s representative had conducted an internal investigation which uncovered that one of their employees had fraudulently used a customer’s credit card to make purchases at their store, as well as at Albertson’s, Game Stop and BART (to purchase BART tickets).

Arrested was Seville Runeaque Deal, a 20-year-old resident of Oakland. Deal was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on charges of embezzlement and fraudulent use of a credit card and was delivered to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against Deal with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419

On 11/17/2003, at approximately 2310 hours, Officer Albrandt responded to the Best Inn (6009 Potrero Avenue) to investigate a possible stolen credit card. Officer Albrandt’s Investigation led the arrest of a subject who had used the stolen credit card to purchase or attempt to purchase items/service at a variety of locations including Target, Atlas Liquors, Church’s Chicken and Unocal 76 (Cutting & San Pablo Avenue).

Arrested was Gregg Lynn Palmer, a 45-year-old resident of Stonyford, California. Palmer was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on several counts of theft and fraud and released pending additional investigation.

The El Cerrito Police Department will later seek a formal complaint against Palmer with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419.

On 11/15/2003, at approximately 1132 hours, Officer Carcione was dispatched to investigate a report of theft that occurred at Denny’s Restaurant. The victim pointed a female that she suspected took her purse. The subject was detained while a video surveillance tape was reviewed and which confirmed the victim’s suspicions. The purse and $240.00 was recovered and returned to the owner.

Arrested was Christy N. Miles, a 33-year-old resident of Richmond. Miles was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on a charge of grand theft and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

On 11/18/2003, the El Cerrito Police Department sought and obtained a formal misdemeanor compliant against Miles with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419.

On 11/15/2003, at approximately 0130 hours, Officer Caputo was patrolling through the Terrace Motel (10869 San Pablo Avenue) when he observed a white Lexus backing from one of the parking stalls. Recalling that another officer had previously taken a report of a stolen Lexus, Officer Caputo ran the plate and was advised by dispatch that the vehicle was stolen. Cover officers soon arrived and assisted with the recovery of the vehicle and the arrests of the three occupants. Suspected contraband and burglar tools were also seized.

Arrested were Kelly Fleming, 45, Richmond, Bryan Grant Wilson, 43, Kensington and Meghann Lynn Brown, 22 and a resident of Richmond. . Fleming was booked on a charge of auto theft and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. Brown and Wilson were cited and released after being booked on narcotic and possession of burglar tool charges.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against all three suspects with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419

On 11/14/2003, at approximately 1140 hours, Officer Carcione was dispatched to Target to investigate a shoplifter who had been arrested. While there, Target Loss Prevention arrested another subject on a separate case. The suspect had used a knife to open merchandise which he then concealed on his person before exiting the store without payment.

Arrested was Harold G. Robertson, a 27-year-old transient. Robertson was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on a charge of petty theft with priors and was delivered to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against Robertson with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419

On 11/14/2003, at approximately 1140 hours, Officer Carcione responded to Target to investigate a reported shoplifter who had been arrested. Officer Carcione contacted store security upon his arrival and obtained their report which chronicled the concealment and theft of store merchandise which totaled $46.00.

Arrested was Richard W. Starks, a 41-year-old resident of Richmond. Starks was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on a charge of theft (shoplifting) with priors and was delivered to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against Starks with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419

On 11/13/2003, at approximately 0913 hours, Sergeant Statton was patrolling southbound on Richmond Street at the intersection of Schmidt Lane when he observed two subjects emerge between the front of two residents located in the 6700 block of Schmidt Lane. A third subject was in front of the residence and all three were determined to be together. Due to the fact that they were teenagers and not in school, Sergeant Statton conducted an investigatory stop.

One subject was later found to be in possession of a b-b gun designed as a semi-automatic pistol. A resident stated that the juveniles had knocked on her neighbor’s front door just prior to police arrival, yet when asked, none could provide the name of the resident. All three were taken into custody for suspicion of prowling. Subsequent interviews revealed that the three truant El Cerrito High School students had actually planned to rob people on the BART path prior to their arrival at the residence on Schmidt Lane where their criminal intent changed to residential burglary.

Arrested were three male juvenile residents of the city of Richmond ages 14-16. All three were booked on charges of attempted 1st degree burglary and conspiracy to commit armed robbery before being released to a parent.

The El Cerrito Police Department will submit this case to the Contra Costa County Juvenile Probation Office for disposition. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Corporal Pierson at (510) 215-4418.

On 11/12/2003, at approximately 1132 hours, Officer Wentworth was dispatched to investigate a robbery where the victim was standing by in the station lobby. The victim explained that his apartment neighbor had stolen his cellular telephone during a hostile and unprovoked rage. Officers contacted the suspect walking on Gladys Avenue and assessed that he was likely under the influence of a drug/narcotic. A consent search of his apartment yielded the discovery of cultivated marijuana. In addition, the rear window of the victim’s car had been smashed.

Arrested was Donovan Rogers, a 32-year-old resident of El Cerrito. Donovan was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on a charge of robbery and cultivation of marijuana before he was delivered to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against Rogers with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419

On 11/11/2003, at approximately 0722 hours, a vehicle was reported stolen to this agency. The theft of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma pick-up occurred in the 400 block of Everett Street. On 11/15/2003, at approximately 1340 hours, Sergeant Cliatt observed the vehicle traveling southbound in the 500 block of Norvell Street. Sergeant Cliatt confirmed that the vehicle was still a reported stolen automobile and made a u-turn to pursue it. The truck was located, unoccupied, parked in front of 503 Norvell Street. Sergeant Cliatt later observed the driver exit 508 Norvell Street carrying car keys. Sergeant Cliatt contacted the driver and questioned him about the truck. The subject admitted to possession of the truck and claimed that the owner had loaned it to him for a week in exchange for $80.00. The owner responded and denied the allegations regarding any loan.

Arrested was Guy Kreig Bartlett, a 46-year-old resident of Fairfield. Bartlett was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on a charge of auto theft and released pending district attorney review.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office later declined to prosecute Bartlett due to the fact that it was revealed that the victim had allowed Bartlett to sleep in the car and gave him the keys. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419.

On 11/10/2003, at approximately 1541 hours, Officer Carcione was dispatched to investigate a report of domestic violence that occurred at a residence located in the 3100 block of Carlson Boulevard. Officer Carcione contacted the victim a short distance away where she was standing by at nearby gas station. The female victim sustained visible injuries to her face/mouth and stomach where her fiancé had struck her during an argument.

Arrested was Gerald McCrary, a 25-year-old resident of El Cerrito. McCrary was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on a charge of domestic violence and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal compliant against McCrary with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Corporal Pierson at (510) 215-4418.

On 11/07/2003, at approximately 2146 hours, Mr. Bling Bling, located at the El Cerrito Plaza, was the location of a burglary when a subject used a brick to smash the front window of the business. The suspect entered and removed paperwork from a desk and fled.

A suspect was subsequently identified through fingerprints as Joseph Manuel Curil, a 22-year-old resident of Richmond. On 5/4/2004, Curil was arrested and booked by the Richmond Police Department pursuant to our Ramey warrant.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against Curil with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. Any question regarding this matter should be directed to Detective Savko at (510) 215-4419

On 11/03/2003, at approximately 1449 hours, Sgt. Cliatt was patrolling in the area of Key Boulevard and Liberty Street when he observed a motorcyclist entering onto Key Boulevard from the driveway of a residence. Sgt. Cliatt attempted to check the license plate number but was unable due to an obstructed plate cover. Sgt. Cliatt followed the motorcyclist to the intersection of Liberty Street and Hill Street where they ran the stop sign and proceeded south against the one-way road (1700 block of Liberty Street).

Officer Leone observed the motorcyclist enter the apartment complex parking lot located at 1311 Liberty Street and took him into custody following some initial resistance.

Arrested was Jeffrey Alan Zupan, a 33-year-old resident of Richmond. Zupan was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on charges of: 1) evading a police officer, 2) possession of a controlled substance, 3) possession of drug paraphernalia, 4) driving on a suspended license, 5) resisting an officer and 6) providing false information to a police officer. Zupan was later transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against Zupan with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions regarding this case should be directed to Detective Savko at: (510) 215-4419.

On 10/13/2003, at approximately 2026 hours, Officer Wong was dispatched to 11720 San Pablo Avenue to investigate a report of two people looking into cars. A caller advised that the two had arrived in a car that was parked in a marked stall. The caller provided police with the parking space number. A female was detained and the vehicle that was identified was checked and found to be stolen. The female had a set of keys that opened the door and started the car. The male subject was not located.

Arrested was Rebecca Lynn Patterson, a 22-year-old resident of Oakley. Patterson was charged with auto theft and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The El Cerrito Police Department will seek a formal complaint against Patterson with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions regarding this case should be directed to Detective Zink at: (510) 215-4422.