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REPORT FROM MISSION STATION

The Noe Valley Voice thanks Officer Steven Keith for writing this month’s log of incidents reported in the part of Noe Valley covered by Mission Police Station. Over the next few months, he will be subbing for Officer Lorraine Lombardo, who is recovering from knee surgery. Officer Keith has been the code enforcement officer at Mission Station for the past year. Before taking that assignment, Keith worked eight years as the foot beat officer for lower 24th Street. To contact him, email SFPDMission Station@sfgov.org or call 558-5400.

 

The tally below includes some but not all incidents occurring Feb. 11 to March 10, 2011, in the area bordered by Grand View, 20th, Guerrero, and Cesar Chavez streets.

Feb. 12, 12:44 a.m., 200 block of Jersey, Auto-boosting: Officers Baca and Covarrubias responded to a call regarding a theft from a vehicle. A witness described hearing a window break and seeing a black male, wearing a hooded sweatshirt with black and white stripes (referee style) and black pants, slowly walk away from a recently damaged car. Further investigation revealed the window appeared to have been broken with a brick. An iPod was stolen.

Feb. 13, 11:40 p.m., 4200 block of 24th, Collision and Driving Under the Influence: Officers Davis, Radford, and Joyce responded to a report of a vehicle collision. At the scene, they found a damaged car partially on the sidewalk and facing the wrong direction. In its path were two parked vehicles and an oleander bush exhibiting signs of recent impact. Contact was made with the calm and seated belted driver, who replied, “I’m waiting for my husband.” Further investigation revealed that the driver of the skewed vehicle was possibly intoxicated. After failing various tests, the driver was booked into County Jail and the car was towed.

Feb. 13, 7 a.m., 3900 block of 20th, Found Property: Officer Felix responded to a call reporting that a backpack and its contents had been found strewn about the steps of the caller’s building. The caller related his suspicions that the backpack had been stolen and that the building’s steps had been used by the robber as a place to scan his plunder. The caller was not far off the mark, as it was soon discovered that several cars in the area of Alabama and 20th streets had recently been broken into. Some of the items found tossed about the steps on 20th Street were later connected to the break-ins.

Feb. 14, 10:10 a.m., 200 block of Grand View, Stolen Vehicle: Police Service Aide Ciardi took a counter report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was later recovered on Feb. 18, after it was abandoned on the 1000 block of Greenwich Street.

Feb. 14, 11 p.m., 1200 block of Guerrero, Narcotics Arrest: Officers Chambers and Manrique responded to a call of a stay-away order violation and made contact with a gentleman matching the suspect’s description. A computer check of the man’s ID revealed that he was barred him from being within 150 yards of the very address where he was standing. The officers placed him under arrest for violating the court order and found a suspected methamphetamine pipe along with approximately three grams of the illicit substance on his person. The suspect was transported to County Jail, and the narcotics were packaged for further testing.

Feb. 19, 11:22 p.m., 600 block of Douglass, Attempted Robbery: Three people were walking home from dinner and were approached by a suspect who asked to use one of their cell phones while another suspect stood back in the shadows. Something didn’t feel right to the hesitant victims, who began questioning the first suspect’s motives. The suspect replied by flashing the butt of a handgun that had been concealed beneath his sweatshirt. One victim refused to relinquish his phone, but another offered up an older model phone. Not satisfied with last year’s model, the suspect demanded that all property be surrendered. This unreasonable request was met with a calm sensibility and advice to the tune of “What you’re doing is wrong.” Both suspects then aborted the mugging and fled the scene devoid of spoils. The suspect showing the gun was described as an Asian male, 16 to 20 years old, approximately 5’4” tall, weighing 140 pounds, and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored jeans.

Feb. 21, between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m., 3800 block of 24th, Commercial Burglary: Officer Ueber responded to a “cold burglary” (one occurring when no one is present) of a specialty food shop. Entry appeared to have been made through a rear door. Approximately $900 was taken.

Feb. 21, 8:03 a.m., 800 block of Elizabeth, Vandalism to Property: Several units responded to a report of a possible burglary in progress. Officers were directed to a vacant house with the front door open and the entryway window broken. Officers Chow, Guerrero, Lopez, and Ortega searched the residence and located a trespasser fast asleep on the floor of an upstairs room. The intruder was arrested and taken to County Jail.

Feb. 23, 9:06 p.m., 4000 block of 24th, Vandalism to Vehicle: Officers Kawaguchi and Loya responded to a call regarding a vehicle break-in. On scene, the officers spoke with a witness who said he saw a suspect break the window of his roommate’s truck and flee east on 24th Street in a yellow Cadillac with California license plate number 6GSY709. The suspect was described as a black male, age 45 to 50, 5’10”, 240 pounds, holding a pair of silver-colored pliers and wearing a white baseball cap, black jeans, and a black jacket with “car emblems” on the sleeves. Officers searched the surrounding neighborhood and the registered address of the Cadillac but were unable to locate the suspect.

Feb. 24, 12:26 a.m., 23rd and Sanchez, Driving Under the Influence: Officers Lovrin, Trujillo, and Loya responded to a report of a person passed out at the wheel at 23rd and Sanchez. Upon arrival, the officers found a car stopped at the intersection, brakes on and transmission in drive. The driver appeared unconscious. The approaching officer quickly placed the vehicle in park and turned off the engine. The driver woke up and spontaneously slurred, “Beer, beer, beer.” The driver refused to take part in a field sobriety test and was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was booked at County Jail, and the car was towed.

Feb. 24, 12:30 p.m., 700 block of Diamond, Theft from Building: An incident of a stolen wallet and subsequent fraudulent use of credit cards was reported at Northern Police Station. The victim described the possible suspect as a white male, 30 to 33 years old, approximately 5’11” tall, weighing 180 pounds and wearing “Lucky” brand blue jeans.

Feb. 24, 9 p.m., to Feb. 25, 7:30 a.m., 600 block of Alvarado, Vehicle Stolen: Officer Johnson responded to a call regarding a stolen car. A report was made and the car was recovered within six hours of its being reported near the corner of Seventh and Harrison streets.

Feb. 25, 3:19 p.m.,23rd and Castro, Investigative Detention: A plainclothes officer detained a suspect who had just exited a location suspected of selling illegal drugs. The investigation is ongoing.

Feb. 26, between 12 a.m. and 8:50 a.m., 4100 block of 24th, Burglary: Officers Guerrero and Andaluz responded to a report of a commercial burglary. An employee reported finding the front door and window broken and property valued at $6,000 missing. Fortunately, a suspect was captured on video. The investigation is ongoing.

March 1, 8:15 a.m., 500 block of Eureka, Stolen Auto: Officer Chow responded to a report of a stolen black Integra. The car was recovered two days later in Oakland.

March 3, 2:20 p.m., 1000 block of Church, Stolen Auto: Officer Chow responded to a report of a stolen silver Integra. The owner stated the car was last seen on Feb. 21 and was discovered missing on March 2. The car was recovered March 3 in Bernal Heights.

March 3, 4:30 p.m., 200 block of Hoffman, Suspicious Occurrence/Attempted Fraud: A Noe Valley resident came into the station with an email asking the recipient to wire a couple grand overseas. The savvy city dweller spotted the con and promptly reported it to authorities.

March 4, 4:55 p.m., 700 block of Douglass, Burglary: Officers Richards and Buckner responded to a call regarding two bikes missing from a garage. The owner believes that the thief learned the secret location of the spare key.

March 5, 12:55 p.m., 22nd and Vicksburg, Vandalism to Vehicle: Officer Joshua responded to a call of a car being keyed. The owner had parked the car on Feb. 25 in the evening and found that it had been damaged the following morning. The owner brought the crime to the attention of the Police Department after conducting his own investigation.

March 5, 9:12 p.m., Noe and 24th, Unlicensed Driver: Officer Richards spotted a grey Infinity failing to stop at a stop sign, and pulled it over. When the driver was asked for his driver’s license, he replied, “I’m working on the application.” The driver was issued a citation and the car was released to a good friend with a valid license.

 

REPORT FROM INGLESIDE STATION

This police blotter covers incidents reported from Feb. 11 to March 10, 2011, in Upper Noe Valley—the area roughly bounded by Cesar Chavez, Guerrero, 30th, and Diamond streets. The incidents were culled from newsletters produced by Capt. Louis Cassanego of Ingleside Police Station. The log may not include all crimes reported during the period.

 

Feb. 16, 12:43 p.m., Cesar Chavez at Guerrero, Traffic Accident

Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., first block of Valley, Vandalism: Officer Smethurst responded to investigate a vandalism case. The officer located one victim as another approached him with a similar complaint. Both victims told the officer that their tires had been deflated but they did not know how. There was a video that was provided for the officer which showed a suspect stabbing the tires. One victim told the officer the vandalism was revenge for the suspects’ car being towed.

Feb. 19, 11 a.m., 1500 block of Sanchez, Stolen Auto

Feb. 19, 3:35 p.m., Noe at Day, Theft from Auto: Officers Park and Chang were sent to investigate a theft case. The witness told the officers that she observed a subject jump into a car via the window. The witness walked by the car and saw a suspect in the passenger seat rummaging through the glove box. The witness crossed the street and called police. The suspect then got out of the car and got into a waiting car and fled the area.

Feb. 20, 2 p.m., 900 block of Duncan, Theft from Auto: Officer Campion-Healy was sent to investigate a theft case. The victim told the officer that he parked and locked his car within a gated area. When he returned, he discovered that his backpack was missing along with its contents. There was no sign of forced entry to the vehicle. There were no suspects observed.

Feb. 21, 3:31 a.m., 30th at Church, Vandalism: Officers Ma and Padilla were sent to investigate a vandalism case. The caller told the officers that he observed four suspects writing on a wall. The officers searched the area for possible suspects and located four subjects and detained them. Since there was no victim and no one to identify the suspects, they were all identified and sent on their way. The information was sent to the graffiti unit.

Feb. 23, 8:30 a.m., Duncan at Church, Burglary: Officer Gomez was sent to investigate a burglary case. The victim told the officer that she left home and locked her doors. The officer learned that when the victim came home she discovered her laptop and jewelry missing. The victim told the officer that her roommate’s laptop was also gone. The officer contacted CSI so it could process the crime scene.

Feb. 24, 1:34 p.m., Valley at Castro, Warrant Arrest: Officers Rueca and Almaguer responded to locate two suspects who had outstanding warrants. The officers arrived at a location that the suspects frequent and knocked on the door. The door was opened, and it was one of the suspects. The officers placed him under arrest and asked if there were anyone else with him. The suspect answered, “My girlfriend—can we tell her I’m going to jail?” The officers willingly complied: the suspect’s girlfriend was the other person the officers sought. Both suspects were pronounced under arrest.

Feb. 24, 11:12 a.m., 200 block of 30th, Trespassing: Officer Curry was sent to investigate a trespasser. The victim told the officer that there was a person on the property who did not have permission to be there. When the suspect realized that the victim was calling police, he fled. The officer searched the area and could not find the suspect.

Feb. 26, 10:25 a.m., first block of Valley, Threats: Sergeant Miller responded to a fight call, along with numerous other Ingleside officers. The officers met with witnesses and the victim. All related that one of the neighbors in the building became irate regarding the placement of a potted plant in the shared back yard. The suspect picked up a “Club” device and threatened to strike the victim. The suspect finally dropped the device and fled the residence. The officers were unable to locate him.

Feb. 27, 2:31 a.m., San Jose Ave. at 30th, Unlicensed Driver

Feb. 27. 9:40 a.m., 400 block of 30th, Stolen Auto

Feb. 28, 2 a.m., 300 block of 29th, Burglary: Officers Lozano and Morse were sent to investigate a burglary. The victim told the officers that he had left his rent money in his bedroom. The victim also mentioned that he leaves his bedroom door unlocked, but closed. The rear door of the house is always kept unlocked. The victim told the officer that an ex-girlfriend is the only one that knows this information and may be bitter because he broke up with her.

Feb. 28, 9 a.m., 500 block of Duncan, Recovered Auto

Feb. 28, 9 p.m., 1600 block of Noe, Stolen Auto

March 4, 7:30 p.m., 1600 Block of Dolores, Burglary Attempt: Officers Pai and Shokair responded to a store regarding an attempted burglary. They observed a broken front window and a bent door frame. They interviewed the manager, who stated she had locked and secured the area the evening before but had not been advised of the incident until the next morning. It was unclear if any items were missing, but it appeared that the suspect or suspects attempted to take money from the cash register.

March 7, 10 p.m., San Jose at 27th, Stolen Auto

March 8, 12:30 p.m., Church at Day, Vandalism: Officer Preston was sent to investigate a vandalism case. The victim told the officer that two unknown suspects came into his business (a laundromat) and marked the walls with markers. The victim told the officer that two female suspects had been in the laundromat and were seen causing problems. A witness had called and notified the business owner, but the suspects were gone when he arrived. The officer took photos of the damage and booked them as evidence.

 

Police Beat was compiled and edited by Jan Goben and Sally Smith.

 

Police Borders

Noe Valley is split between two San Francisco police jurisdictions—Mission Police District and Ingleside Police District—with Cesar Chavez Street as the dividing line. Mission Station covers the northern half of the neighborhood, while Ingleside patrols the southern half. Both districts invite citizens to attend police community meetings, held monthly. Mission Police District holds meetings on the last Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m., at Mission Station, 630 Valencia Street near 17th Street. Ingleside’s community meetings take place on the third Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., at Ingleside Station, 1 Sgt. John V. Young Lane.

 

Police Contacts

Mission Station: 558-5400
Anonymous Tip Line: 392-2623
Newsletter: sfpd.mission.station@sfgov.org
Capt. Greg Corrales: 558-5455
Gregory.Corrales@sfgov.org

Ingleside Station: 404-4000
Anonymous Tip Line: 575-4444
Newsletter: sfpd.ingleside.station@sfgov.org
Capt. Louis Cassanego: 404-4030
Louis.Cassanego@sfgov.org

To file a police report, go to any local station or file online at www.sfgov.org.

To report a crime in progress, call 911. Cell phone users can dial Police Dispatch directly: 415-553-8090.