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Directory of Prior Reports

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On Saturday April 30th, 2005 at 0620 hours an officer made a enforcement stop on a bicyclist at Belmont Ave and San Diego St. During a subsequent search the officer located a small baggie of methamphetamine. The officer placed Ann Nadig, a 52 year old El Cerrito female under arrest for possession of a controlled substance. After booking she was released with a future court date.

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

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On April 29th, 2005 at 1935 hours officers responded to Walgreen’s at 11565 San Pablo Ave on report of an intoxicated person that refused to leave the store. Upon investigation, officers learned that James Gholar a 42 year old transient had approached a female and after blocking her way had grabbed her buttocks. Gholar was arrested for sexual battery and 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 April 28th, 2005 officers were dispatched to the 7300 block of Manila Ave on report of a car theft that had just occurred. An officer saw the described vehicle at the intersection of San Pablo Ave and Cutting Blvd. An enforcement stop was made and the driver Gabino Carrillo a 28 year old Richmond resident was taken into custody without incident. During the booking process officers located a small amount of methamphetamine. Carrillo was transported to county jail.

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

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On April 27th, 2005 the El Cerrito branch of the Washington Mutual Bank was robbed by a white male with a note demanding money and stating that he had a gun. The male obtained an undisclosed amount of money and fled the area. On May 14th, 2005 the Wells Fargo Bank located one block from the Washington Mutual Bank was robbed by the same male with a note threatening to take hostages and demanding money. The suspect fled in an unknown direction. When photos and video from the robberies were obtained by the El Cerrito Police, several officers identified the suspect from previous contacts as Jeremiah Johnson, a 29 year old male from Richmond. Arrest warrants were obtained for his arrest. It was learned that he had been taken into custody in Oakland on May 19th, 2005 for an attempted bank robbery. Johnson has remained in custody since that arrest. Charges have been filed for the two El Cerrito bank robberies with the Contra Costa 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 April 26th, 2005 an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the 2200 block of Humboldt Ave. During the stop the officer located approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine on the person of the driver, Allen Handlin, a 39 year old El Cerrito resident. Handlin was also found to be in possession of ammunition for a revolver. Handlin is a convicted felon and may not possess ammunition. He was released pending further investigation.

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

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On Monday, April 25th, 2005 at 2140 hours officers responded to a collision at Richmond St. and Waldo Ave. in which one vehicle had rolled onto its side. Officers arrived to find the driver of a Toyota Tacoma Pick up unconscious and hanging from his seatbelt in the front yard of 900 Richmond St. The driver of the other vehicle was standing next to his car. Officers became aware that Andrew Butt, the driver of a Subaru Outback and 30 year old El Cerrito man had been drinking. Butt was arrested for causing injury while driving under the influence of alcohol after officers conducted field sobriety tests on him. Butt was transported to county jail. The driver of the Subaru, James Breitlow, a 56 year old Richmond resident had to be cut out of his car by the fire department. Breitlow was also determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to John Muir Hospital by ambulance with head injuries. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office for review upon receipt of lab results on the blood alcohol of both drivers.

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

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On Monday, April 25th, 2005 at 1218 hours officers responded to the Mechanics Bank located at 9996 San Pablo Ave on report of a forgery in progress. Officers detained Reginald Dunn Jr., a 20 year old Berkeley resident for presenting a stolen forged check. Officers also detained Damon Scarbrough a 40 year old Berkeley resident across the street from the bank. The investigation at the bank led the officers to arrest both Scarbrough and Damon for forgery and possession of stolen property. Both were 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 Monday April 25th, 2005 at 0135 hours Officers responded to the 3300 block of Yosemite Ave on report a suspicious man that had been standing on the corner for three hours. When officers contacted the man they located a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the individual located a small baggie of Methamphetamine in his pocket. Officers arrested Charles Meyer a 47 year old El Sobrante resident for possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Meyer was booked and released pending lab results on the methamphetamine.

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

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On Friday, April 22nd, 2005 at 1437 hours a collision occurred at the intersection of Richmond St. and Eureka Ave. Officer arrived and found one driver trapped in her car and the other car crashed into a pole. The driver trapped in the car sustained a minor contusion to her head. Witnesses pointed out the other driver walking away from the scene. He entered another vehicle and was driving away when officers stopped the car. Officers arrested Fernando Jesus Garcia Jr., a 22 year old Richmond resident for driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and hit and run. Garcia 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 April 28th, 2005 an officer arrested the suspect in a series of forgeries that had occurred over a two month period. Alicia Santos a 27 year old Oakland resident was arrested at the El Cerrito Police department when she turned herself in for taking a friend’s checks and writing several of them to herself. She was released pending review of the case by 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 April 20th, 2005 at 2015 hours officers responded to the Target Store located at 11450 San Pablo Ave on report of a shoplifter in custody. Officers accepted the arrest of Donald Lewis Jr. a 27 year old homeless man in a wheelchair. Lewis had been seen taking various clothing and accessory items and leaving the store without paying for them. Lewis has an extensive theft history and was charged with theft with priors. Lewis was released after booking. 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 April 20th, 2005 at 0937 hours an officer observed two subjects fighting in the street at San Pablo Ave near Hill St. He detained the parties and determined that he had interrupted a robbery. The suspect, Nataly Vickers, a 49 year old Richmond Female had approached the victim and asked for change. When the victim had declined to give her any money the suspect tried to grab the victim’s wallet from her hand. The victim struggled with the suspect to retain her wallet until the incident was stopped by the officer. Vickers was arrested for attempted robbery and transported to the county jail. 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 April 19th, 2005 at 1450 hours an officer observed a vehicle collide with a parked car in the 6400 block of Hagen Blvd. During the contact with the driver of the car it was determined that he did not have a valid license. Further investigation determined that the driver, Errol Walker a 54 year old Richmond resident and his passenger, Eli Jones a 54 year old El Cerrito resident were in possession of approximately 20 grams of cocaine. They were arrested for possession of a controlled substance. They were released after booking, pending lab tests on the controlled substance. Charges will be sought through the District Attorney’s office upon receipt of the lab results.

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

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On April 17th, 2005 at 0115 hours an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop at Knott Ave. and Key Blvd. The driver, Phylis Herbert a 59 year old female was subsequently arrested for possession of crack cocaine and the pipes used to smoke crack cocaine. Herbert was booked and released pending the results of lab tests on the cocaine.

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

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On Thursday, April 14th, 2005 at 1530 hours an officer responded to the Target store located at 11450 San Pablo Ave on report of a shop lifter that had been taken into custody by the loss prevention employees. They arrested Alfonso Sandoval, a 22 year old Richmond resident and transported him to El Cerrito police Department for booking. It was discovered that Sandoval had previous convictions for theft and an outstanding felony warrant for car theft out of San Francisco. Sandoval was transported to the County Jail. 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, April 13th 2005 at 1940 hours officers spotted a suspicious car in the area of Elm Street and Potrero Ave. The car had been reported stolen to the Richmond Police Department on April 9th. The 2002 Dodge Neon pulled over and the passenger fled the car and was not located. The driver, Noel Espinoza a 19 year old Richmond resident was arrested without incident. Espinoza was transported to County Jail. 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 Monday, April 11th, 2005 at 1220 hours officers responded to San Pablo Ave and Orchard Ave and contacted the victim and a witness. The victim had been struck in the side of the head with a bamboo stick by the suspect for no apparent reason. The victim had been facing away from the suspect when he was struck and was not aware of any problem until he was hit. The suspect, Remoh Russell a 29 year old homeless male had dropped the stick and entered the bus at the bus stop at the location. Russell was arrested on the bus without incident. The victim sustained a small cut above his ear and swelling from the attack. He declined medical attention at the time.

Russell was transported to the County Jail. 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 April 11th, 2005 at 1209 hours officers responded to the 5900 block of Central Ave on report of a disturbance. Arturo Hernandez, a 53 year old homeless man was contacted and arrested for Stalking and violation of a restraining order. He was transported to the county jail. 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 Sunday, April 10th, 2005 at 1230 hours officers responded to 11157 San Pablo Ave on report of a fight. The victim had been hit in the head and face with a 5 gallon bucket and with fists causing a laceration over her eye and on her arm. Elba Soto a 44 year old Richmond resident had entered the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, grabbed the bucket, being used as a garbage can and struck the victim. When witnesses tried to restrain her she fled in a car. While on the way to the suspect’s house officers located her driving the car and arrested her. The attack appears to be related to a dispute between the suspect and victim over a common boyfriend’s unfaithfulness. The victim was treated and released from the hospital. Soto was transported to county jail on Assault with a Deadly Weapon charges. Charges will be 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 April 9th, 2005 at 1910 hours officers contacted Kirt Kelsey, a 47 year old El Cerrito resident at his home at 7227 Lincoln Ave and arrested him on an outstanding warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Pursuant to the arrest a probation search of his residence uncovered that he was in possession of ammunition. As Kelsey is a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. He was charged with a felon in possession of ammunition and transported to the county jail. 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 April 9th, 2005 at 1139 hours officers 800 block of South 53rd St. on report of a disturbance. Officers conducted an investigation and Demetris Hardy an El Cerrito resident was arrested for an assault and 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 Sgt Shawn Maples: (510) 215-4423.

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On Friday, April 8th, 2005 at 1228 hours. An officer located a 1986 Toyota Pick up driving at Carlson Blvd and San Jose Ave. The truck had been reported stolen in Oakland on April 7th. The officer followed the truck to the area of Imperial and Carlson Blvd. where the officer attempted to take the driver into custody when he exited the car. The suspect fled on foot after being pepper sprayed and was taken into custody a short distance away. The suspect attempted to dispose of a small baggie of methamphetamine as he was taken into custody. He was treated for the exposure to the pepper spray and 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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On April 7th, 2005 at 1655 hours officers responded to the Longs Drug Store located at 10650 San Pablo Ave for a shoplifter in custody. Alvin Oxner a 47 year old Richmond resident was placed under arrest for shoplifting $42 worth of items from the store. During the booking process it was discovered that Oxner was on parole for prior thefts. Oxner was charged with theft with priors and a parole hold. He 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 Monday, April 4th, 2005 at 0348 hours officers responded to a possible auto burglary in progress in the 1300 block of Everett St. An alert neighbor had heard an idling vehicle on the street and when he looked out he saw a person trying to get into and eventually enter a Honda Civic. He called the police and officers were able to stop the vehicle as it was leaving the scene. As the driver was being taken into custody, the passenger fled on foot into the block. Officers gave chase and set a perimeter on the block. A Richmond PD canine unit responded to assist in locating the passenger. The canine unit tracked the suspect to a side yard in the 1300 block of Norvell St. I was confirmed that the suspects had broken the window to gain entry to the victim vehicle and take the stereo. Peter Meniola, a 22 year old Richmond resident and Jaime Aranda a 22 year old Richmond resident were arrested for burglary. Aranda also had a felony drug possession warrant out of Richmond PD. Both were 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 William Savko: (510) 215-4419.

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On Sunday, April 3rd, 2005 at 0215 hours officers responded to the Windrush School located at 1800 Elm St. on report of an audible alarm. The alarm company advised that they could hear movement in the gym. The first officer on scene confirmed that there was noise near the gym. A perimeter was set and the suspect tried to run past the officers but was taken into custody. The suspect discarded a pry bar as he ran. The suspect had broken out a window on the side of the gym. Rafael Cajias a 23 year old Antioch resident was arrested and charged with attempted burglary. He was transported to county jail. 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 Friday, April 1st, 2005 an officer at Central Ave and San Joaquin Ave noticed a vehicle and when he ran a registration check learned that the license plate was to a Chevrolet rather than the Mazda 626 it was. The officer contacted the driver and passenger as they exited the car at the Pacific East Mall. They were taken into custody without incident. Both suspects gave false names initially. The driver, Victor Ramirez, a 21 year old North Richmond resident and the passenger Roberto Becerra, a 33 year old Richmond resident were arrested on charges of vehicle theft. Ramirez was also found to have an outstanding felony burglary warrant for his arrest.

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