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Directory of Prior Reports

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On January 29th, 2005 Officer’s responded to Barrett Ave. and San Pablo Ave. where Richmond PD officers had located a vehicle that had been reported as a shooting victim vehicle. The victim and witness had stated that the driver of the vehicle, 18 year old Jennifer Kaufmann had been shot by a sniper near the Atlas Liquor Store in El Cerrito. Kauffman was transported to John Muir Hospital by helicopter for treatment of her gunshot wounds.

The subsequent investigation revealed that Kauffman had been shot accidentally by a rear passenger in the car. On January 31st detectives arrested Davien Rolland Wheaton, a 24 year old Richmond male for a felony charge of a Negligent discharge of a Firearm. On February 1st, Travis Jon Warren, a 21 year old San Mateo resident was arrested as an accessory to the crime. Both were transported to the County Jail in Martinez. Charges are being sought through the District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Sergeant Shawn Maples: (510) 215-4423.

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On January 29th, 2005 officers responded to the Target Store located at 11450 San Pablo Ave. on report of a woman using counterfeit credit cards. Victoria Marie Garcia, a 19 year old female was arrested by store loss prevention when she bought a plasma screen television with a counterfeit credit card. She was found in possession of two poor quality counterfeit VISA cards. She was booked on charges of Burglary and Forgery. She was transported to county jail. Charges are being sought through the District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On January 27th, 2005 officers responded to the 500 block of Seaview Drive on report of a disturbance. Officers contacted James Burton Roberts Jr. a 45 year old male and subsequently arrested him for Domestic Violence, Resisting Arrest and Causing Injury to a Police Officer. The officers had to use Pepper Spray in order to bring Roberts under control. He was transported to County Jail in Martinez. Charges will be sought through the District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Sergeant Shawn Maples: (510) 215-4423.

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On January 27th, 2005 A 1989 Honda Civic with expired registration drove by an officer on Arlington Blvd. near Terrace Dr. The officer intended to make an enforcement stop but noticed that the vehicle was accelerating away from him. As the officer activated his emergency lights, the vehicle skidded to a stop and the driver fled on foot through yards into Kensington. The suspect eluded capture by stealing a bicycle from a garage and leaving the area before a perimeter could be set. A passenger in the vehicle, Denise Joyce Ribo, a 20 year old female from Hercules was arrested at the scene of the stop. She was found to be in possession a controlled substance and a shaved key used to steal cars. She was transported to the County Jail in Martinez. Charges will be sought through the District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On Wednesday, January 26, 2005 detectives conducted a parole search at 4320 Sycamore Ave in Richmond, the residence of two parolees. . During the search, suspected crack cocaine and various forms of drug paraphernalia were discovered. Also located were checks belonging to two victims. Robert Brown, a 50 year old and his wife, Gwendolyn Brown a 44 year old were arrested on charges of drug possession and possession of stolen property. The Browns were transported to County Jail. Charges are being sought with the District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On January 25th, 2005 at 0213 in the morning, an officer saw Timothy Carlton, a 34 year old male from Richmond walking in the area of Central Ave. and Yosemite Ave. When Carlton saw the officer, he threw the duffle bag he had been carrying and began to run from the officer. Carlton was detained a short distance away. He admitted to the officer that he had taken the duffle bag and tool from a garage on Santa Clara Ave. The victim resident called a few minutes later reporting that someone had just left her garage in the 3200 block of Santa Clara Ave. The victim subsequently identified the property Carlton had been carrying as having been stolen from the garage.

Carlton was transported to County Jail on charges of Burglary and Theft with Prior Convictions. Charges are being sought through the District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective William Savko: (510) 215-4419.

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On January 24th, 2005 officers responded to the Target Store at 11450 San Pablo Ave on report of a shop lifter in custody. Jose Adrian Angel a 22 year old male was arrested for taking over $150 in clothing items without paying. Angel initially gave another name but was positively identified by his fingerprints. He was transported to the County Jail on a charges of Burglary and Theft with Prior Convictions. Charges are being sought through the District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On January 23rd, 2005 an officer attempted to stop a pick up truck for a vehicle code violation. The driver, Stephen Paul Carson, a 39 year old male failed to yield to the officer’s emergency lights and siren. Carson led a slow speed pursuit, ranging from 10 to 25 MPH approximately one mile before pulling to the curb and stopping. He was taken into custody after he had finished throwing various contents of his vehicle at the officer. Carson complied with officer’s commands only after hearing officer’s requesting a Taser unit sent to the scene. Carson was booked on charges of Evading an Officer, Resisting arrest and driving on a suspended license.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On Saturday, January 22nd, 2005 Officers responded to Target at 11450 San Pablo Ave and arrested Jasani Michael Thomas, a 23 year old Vallejo resident for shoplifting. The total of the items stolen was $432, constituting Grand Theft. Thomas was released with a future court date. Charges are being sought through the District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On Saturday, January 22nd, 2005 Ofc. Bonini conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and determined that the driver had an outstanding arrest warrant. Further investigation by Ofc. Bonini determined that Tonya Harrison, a 25 year old Albany resident was in possession of Methamphetamine for sales. Harrison was transported to the County jail in Martinez. Charges are being sought through the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4418.

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On January 18th, 2005 A 1986 Toyota Corolla was stopped on Ashbury Ave near El Cerrito High School for a seatbelt violation. The 15 year old driver identified himself verbally to the Traffic officer making the stop. As the driver was being cooperative the officer left the immediate area of the stop to assist a school officer making a nearby traffic stop. Upon his return the driver had left the vehicle parked in the driveway where he had been stopped. The officer was able to identify the driver from his verbal information and school records. The Toyota Corolla was reported stolen from the 700 block of Pomona Ave three hours later. On January 19th, 2005 the original stopping officer contacted the Juvenile driver at his home and took him into custody. The report has been forwarded to the Juvenile Probation Department for review.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On January 17th at 9:30 PM, Officers responded to the 1700 block of Lexington Ave on report of a disturbance. David McClellan Sr, a 50 year old El Cerrito resident was arrested for an assault. McClellan was transported to the Contra Costa County jail. The case is being reviewed by the Contra Costa County DA’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4418.

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On January 15th,2005 officers responded to the Super 8 Motel on report of a battery. Gregory Wines a 50 year old male from Berkeley was arrested on charges of battery of a co-habitant. Wines had burned his roommate with a cigarette after an argument. Wines was transported to the county jail. Charges are being sought through the District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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Officers responded to 11450 San Pablo Ave. on report of a shoplifter in custody. Lem Lafonce Moore, a 30 year old male from Manteca was taken into police custody for Petty Theft. A check of his criminal history showed previous convictions for theft. The arresting officer located crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia on Moore’s person. Moore was transported to the County Jail in Martinez. Charges of 666 PC- Theft with a prior convictions and 11350 H&S- Possession of a Controlled Substance will be sought through the District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On Saturday, January 15th, 2005 at 0815 hours Officer Shiah arrested Andrew Petrosh, a 26 year old Vallejo resident for an outstanding warrant for drug possession out of Contra Costa County. During booking, Petrosh was found to be in possession of a small bag of Methamphetamine. Petrosh was transported to the County Jail. Charges will be sought though the Contra Costa County DA’s office when the results of crime lab tests on the suspected Methamphetamine are known.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4418.

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On January 14th, 2005, an officer observed a suspect exiting a stolen Toyota pick up at the El Cerrito Plaza. The officer was able to identify the suspect as Patrick Newell, a 34 year old male from San Pablo. Newell fled on foot and was able to elude capture that evening. The truck had been stolen in Richmond on January 9th. On January 23rd, 2005, another officer observed Newell inside another stolen Toyota pick up truck, parked near Huntington Ave. and San Pablo Ave. Newell again fled on foot and was taken into custody by the officer. The stolen truck had been taken from Berkeley on January 21st. Newell had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and was transported to County Jail. Charges on both stolen vehicle cases are being sought through the District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Ken Zink: (510) 215-4422.

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On January 14th, at 1225 hours officers responded to the Jack in the Box located at 5920 Cutting Blvd on report of a man trying to pass a counterfeit one hundred dollar bill. When the officers arrived the man led them on a foot chase before he was apprehended. Bryan Keith Brown-White a 20 year old from Berkeley was arrested for charges of Burglary, Possession of counterfeit bills and Resisting arrest. He was found to be in possession of $600 in counterfeit bills. He was sent to the County Jail in Martinez.

Another subject was arrested by Walnut Creek PD on January 14th with the same series of counterfeit bills.

Charges are being sought through the Contra Costa County DA’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Paul Keith, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4420.

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On January 14, 2005 officers from this department arrested Tai Chuang, a 70 year old El Cerrito resident, on charges relating to child molestation. Mr. Chuang is a piano teacher and this investigation was prompted upon the report by a juvenile student of his that she had been fondled by Mr. Chuang.

Chuang was booked at the El Cerrito Police Department on charges relating to lewd acts with a minor child and was subsequently transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. This investigation is ongoing and investigators are asking that any additional victims contact the El Cerrito Police Department.

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

Any inquiries or information relating to this case should be directed to Commander Scot Mosby at (510) 215-4426.

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Officer Wong located stolen Honda Accord being driven in the area of the El Cerrito Plaza on Tuesday, January 11, 2005. When the car parked in the El Cerrito Plaza Ofc. Wong placed Adrian Maciel a 23 year old Richmond male under arrest. Maciel was booked into the county jail on charges of Motor Vehicle Theft and Driving on a Suspended license. Charges will be sought with the District Attorney’s Office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Ken Zink, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4422.

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On Monday, January 10, 2005 at the Target store located at 11450 San Pablo Ave, Loss prevention officers arrested a woman trying to purchase items with a counterfeit $100 travelers check and a counterfeit ID in an attempt receive cash back as change. El Cerrito Officers were able to identify the woman as Trashanna Thomas 21 years old from Banning CA. She was booked into county jail under charges of Burglary, Forgery and Forgery of a driver’s license.

Charges will be sought with the District Attorney’s office.

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

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On January 10, 2005 at 1337 hours, Loss Prevention employees of Target, located at 11450 San Pablo Ave stopped and arrested Guy Lee Brown, a 39 year old male from Richmond after he concealed merchandise totaling $23.96 in his back pocket and left the store without paying. El Cerrito officers took custody of Brown and determined that he was on Parole, had prior convictions for theft and two outstanding felony warrants for his arrest. Brown was sent to County jail. Charges will be sought through the District Attorney’s Office for theft with priors.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4418.

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On Sunday, January 05, 2005 at 1817 hours an armed robbery occurred the Radio Shack store at 11299 San Pablo Ave. The lone robber approached the clerk displaying a handgun. The robber demanded money from the clerk and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect is described as a Black male in his 40’s, wearing a black jacket, black pants, dark shoes, a black beanie cap, and wearing clear lens glasses, possibly safety goggles.

This suspect does not appear to be related to the murder that occurred earlier in the day.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Zink, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4422.

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On January 9, 2005 at 0029 hours a suspect entered the Super Stop Gas Station located at 11687 San Pablo Ave in El Cerrito and presented a handgun in an attempt to rob the clerk behind the counter. The clerk was subsequently shot. The Suspect fled the scene on foot. The clerk was discovered a few minutes later by customers. The customers flagged down a passing officer. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A photograph of the un-named suspect is attached. The suspect is described as a Black Male Adult, mid 30’s to 40’s, 5-8 to 6-0, 220 to 300 lbs, wearing a black leather jacket, black knit hat, dark dress pants, and dress shoes. He was armed with a silver handgun. The investigation is on going. The victim is a 40 year old Pakastani male. His identity is being withheld pending the notification of his family.

Please contact Commander Rasmussen at 510-215-4424 if you have further questions. Anyone having information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call the El Cerrito Police Department at 510-215-4400.

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Officers responded to 11450 San Pablo Ave (Target) for an in custody shoplifter. Officer’s took custody of Charlie Edward Brown a 52 year old Richmond man for charges of Petty Theft. It was determined that Brown had an extensive theft history and was transported to County Jail for 666 PC, Theft with Priors. Charges are being sought through the District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan: (510) 215-4418.

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On Wednesday January 5, 2005 at approximately 0900 hours Officers responded to the El Cerrito High School on report of a robbery. Three students had confronted two other students off campus and attempted to take the other students’ wallets. One of the suspects had displayed an unopened knife, demanding the victim’s wallet. A second suspect punched the victim’s in the face and then searched their pockets. The three suspects fled when one of the victims sought help from a passing motorist.

Two of the suspects were identified and arrested at school at the time of the report. The third suspect has been identified and is still outstanding.

All three suspects are 15 years old, living in Richmond. The two arrested were sent to Juvenile hall.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Ken Zink, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4422.

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On January 4th, 2005 at 11:00 AM, Ofc. Wong contacted Mario Castillo, a 35 year old Richmond resident at the Gas Station at Central Ave and Pierce St. Castillo was subsequently arrested for possession of methamphetamine. Castillo was released from custody pending the crime lab results on the methamphetamine. Charges will be sought through the Contra Costa County DA’s office on receipt of the lab results.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Corporal Donald Horgan, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4418.

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On Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at 0200 hours Cpl Garman located a stolen pick up truck at San Pablo Ave and Cutting Blvd occupied by two subjects. The Truck had been reported stolen in Oakland on December 18th, 2004. The driver, Bernard King, 52 years old of Richmond was arrested after the vehicle was stopped at the location. Bernard was also found to be in possession of a hypodermic needle. He was sent to County Jail. Charges are being sought through the District Attorney’s office.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Ken Zink, El Cerrito Police Department (510) 215-4422.

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On January 31st, 2005 Detectives arrested Wyconza Rushawn Bernstine a 31 year old Oakland resident when she turned herself in at the El Cerrito Police Department. A warrant had been obtained for her arrest for forgery and possession of stolen property after she had presented a stolen forged check for payment at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 9800 San Pablo Ave on September 10th, 2004. She was transported to the county jail in Martinez.

Any questions or inquiries regarding this incident should be referred to Detective Paul Keith: (510) 215-4420.