Aug. 4, 2014
At 12:40 a.m., there was a car accident at Jones Street. No injuries. Assisted.

At 5:28 a.m., police received reports of a suspicious person on Ash Street. Male subject was looking into car windows in the neighborhood. Log note only.

At 8:57 a.m., an incident of petty theft occurred at Baskin Robbins on Arnold Drive. Log note only.

At 10:54 a.m., an incident of alleged fraud occurred on Arnold Drive. Fraudulent ATM withdrawals. Report Taken.

At 2:54 p.m., police responded to an incident of petty theft at Walmart on Arnold Drive. Assisted.

At 9:38 p.m., police responded to a report of a suspicious person at Walgreens on Alhambra Drive. White female in her 40s in all black clothing, talking to herself and sounded 5150 (psychiatric). Took several items from the store and walked out. Gone on arrival.

At 11:10 p.m., police responded to an animal call which occurred at the Marina Market on Escobar Street. A possum was running around inside the store. Gone on arrival.

At 11:13 p.m., police responded to an animal call outside of the County Hospital. Reporting party saw a mountain lion in the emergency room parking lot. Referred to other agency.

Purse allegedly snatched from vehicle in Chipotle parking lot

By KAI GLOVER
Martinez News-Gazette

The following are excerpts from the Martinez Police Department log. Times listed indicate when incidents were reported to police.

Oct. 28

At 7:35 a.m. a suspicious person was seen near Morello and Center Avenue This person was described as a bald male in a puffy white jacket.

At 11:47 a.m. a suspicious man walked into Vicente Martinez High School and bear hugged a woman over a desk. When police arrived at the scene, the suspect had already left. The suspect was described as a black adult male with a thin build in a red shirt and black jacket.

At 1:49 p.m. at CVS Pharmacy on Alhambra Avenue a suspicious person allegedly handed a note to a CVS employee that said “no cops” and asked for oxytocin. The man left the store empty handed. He was described as a white male adult male with glasses on under a black helmet wearing a white t-shirt.

At approximately 2:12 p.m. at Lucky on Arnold Drive, four teenagers – two males and two females – allegedly entered the store with backpacks and left with several bottles of stolen alcohol before leaving in a vehicle. The plates on the vehicle were run by local police and identified the car as stolen.

At 4:01 p.m. a petty theft complaint was made against an employee at Walmart on Arnold Drive. The employee was taken into police custody after the incident.

At 5:03 p.m. an assault was thought to have taken place near Waterfront Road and Marina Vista Avenue. A man was discovered “with his face cut up” during a routine traffic stop. The alleged victim had one other adult passenger and his 10-year-old son in the car.

At 5:56 p.m. a lost wallet was found on Ward Street near the rear of the jail.

At 8:47 p.m. a break-in was reported on Escobar Street. The rear window of a vehicle reportedly was smashed and some tools were taken.

Oct. 29

At 7:48 a.m. a suspicious person was reported to the police. This person was seen on Morello Avenue when he allegedly jumped down from under the train trussell and started yelling and screaming. The suspicious person disappeared on foot in the direction of Morello Park Elementary School.

At 8:22 a.m. there was a 5-car accident on Alhambra Avenue.

At 9:51 a.m. there was a hit and run involving an unknown vehicle at the County Hospital on Alhambra Avenue.

At 11:56 a.m. a suspicious person was spotted on Ashwood Drive. The person was described as a hispanic male adult with dreadlocks, approximately 20 years of age. He was allegedly seen looking into cars and trying handles. He was believed to be casing vehicles. The suspect was gone when the police arrived to investigate.

At 1:35 p.m. there was a hit and run on Arnold Drive and Shadow Falls Drive.

At 2:27 p.m. an alleged theft of an American flag in front of a home on Silver Creek Drive was reported.

At 5:23 p.m. in front of Chipotle on Arnold Drive, a woman’s passenger side window was smashed and her purse allegedly taken.

At 6:01 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen near Bagel Street Café on Center Avenue.

At 6:06 p.m. the window of an Audi was purportedly smashed in front of Walmart on Arnold Drive.

Rash of vehicle-related thefts continue

By KAI GLOVER
Martinez News-Gazette

Oct. 30

At 3:46 a.m. on Thistle Circle a vehicle was allegedly taken from a carport next to a garage. Police went to the location and took a report on the incident.

At 8:10 a.m. at Walmart on Arnold Drive a vehicle’s driver side window was smashed, but nothing was taken. Walmart security offered to review their security camera footage to see if a suspect could be identified.

At 11:32 a.m. police were called to assist at Lilliput on Arnold Drive. The caller believed that a suspicious person who walked into the office might have been casing the area. The alleged suspicious person was a heavyset black adult male.

At 12:51 p.m. police were called to Union Bank on Ferry Street to assist a man sitting on the sidewalk. According to reports, the man was bloodied. When officers arrived the man was nowhere to be found.

At 2:15 p.m. a suspicious woman reportedly entered a business and wouldn’t leave. The woman in question purportedly left the business and stood in front of Whiskey Lane. Police arrived soon after to provide assistance.

At 7:48 p.m. at the Post Office on Alhambra Avenue, a woman reportedly entered the Post Office screaming for help. The woman was said to be wearing a dark coat. When police arrived the woman had already left.

At 8:09 p.m. a 17-year-old male was arrested on a juvenile warrant after reports of teens fighting on Wawona Circle were made to police. Three to four teens were reported to be fighting in the same altercation.

At 9:40 p.m. an arrest was made between CVS and Bagel Street Café on Center Avenue. Robert Darrell Anderson was arrested on charges of drunkenness.

Oct. 31

At 6:49 a.m. a suspicious person was reported after someone allegedly heard two people screaming in the bathroom at Brown Street Park. After police arrived, two arrests were made. Richard Poor and Courtney Dickenson were taken into police custody.

At 8:12 a.m. the police were contacted by a concerned person after two suspicious adults were spotted at Muir Creek Apartments on Morello Avenue. The two people in question allegedly had a slim jim and a crow bar in their possession and were believed to be casing the area. The alleged suspicious persons were described as a white male adult in a blue coat and baggy tan pants, and a white female adult in a blue/gray sweatshirt with jeans. The two suspicious people were gone when police arrived.

At 12:37 p.m. there was a car accident near Home Depot on Arnold Drive. A white Silverado and a 4-door Infinity vehicle crashed. One driver reported having a headache, but an ambulance wasn’t called.

At 1:13 p.m. an arrest was made on Morello Drive after reports were made of one male and one female allegedly looking into vehicles. When police arrived, Jesse Zupancic was arrested on a warrant.

At 2:28 p.m. an alleged assault was reported at TJ’s Café on Pacheco Boulevard. A man reportedly broke down a bathroom door and pushed into the bathroom. The alleged victim was scratched, but did not need medical attention.

At 2:28 p.m. at La Tapatia on Main Street a computer and a blue/red bag were reported as stolen from a locked vehicle.

At 4:28 p.m. a cell phone charger, a small speaker and $20 in cash were taken from a locked car on Tahoe Circle.

At 4:38 p.m. a pitbull allegedly attacked another dog. No human injuries were reported. The pitbull was taken to its residence by its owner.

At 9:26 p.m. a bottle of Percocet was reported as stolen on Fig Tree Lane. A report was filed with police.

At 9:51 p.m. a theft was reported at Walmart on Arnold Drive. Police arrived at the store to provide assistance.

Bandanna’d bandits attack man at Baskin Robbins

By KAI GLOVER
Martinez News-Gazette

Nov. 1

At 12:26 a.m. a vehicle that was reported as stolen was recovered on Alhambra Avenue and Green Street. There wasn’t anyone in the vehicle when police arrived.

At 12:46 a.m. a theft was reported at Walmart on Arnold Drive. An employee allegedly saw someone take something from the back of the store. The suspected thief was gone upon police arrival.

At 2:16 a.m. an alleged stolen vehicle was recovered on Court Street near Martinez Junior High School. The police made a report of the situation after they found the vehicle.

At 10:04 a.m. supposed vandalism of a vehicle was reported on Redwood Drive. The police took down a report of the complaint.

At 11:50 a.m. an alleged burglary was reported on Walnut Street. Police logged the incident.

At 1:20 p.m. at Walmart on Arnold Drive, Deborah Lee was arrested for alleged shoplifting.

At 6:10 p.m. at Walmart on Arnold Drive, police were called to assist with an alleged trespasser. Deborah Lee was arrested – again.

At 8:04 p.m. a suspicious person was reported at Citrus Salon on Main Street. The man was reported to be laying in the middle of the Plaza. Police arrested Gotz Raymond Matthew.

At 11:52 p.m. a caller reported hearing one gun shot near Lemenov on Fountainhead Court. When police arrived everything checked out as OK.

Nov. 2

At 12 a.m. there was an alleged dine and dash at IHOP on Arnold Drive. The alleged bill dashers were four juvenile males, three white and one black, all around the ages of 16 or 17. The four left towards 7-11. Police took a report of the incident.

At 1:15 a.m. a driver of a blue Honda was arrested for driving under the influence on the 100 block of Morello Avenue. There were five people riding in the car when the vehicle was stopped by police.

At 7:28 a.m. a stolen vehicle was recovered at Rangeview Place and Sweetwater Drive. The vehicle was recovered with four spare tires on it.

At 7:48 a.m. a stolen vehicle was recovered at the John Muir Inn on Muir Station Road. Two arrests were made: Miguel Alejorico and Douglas Gutierrez.

At 11:34 a.m. at Chipotle on Arnold Drive the rear window of a parked car was smashed and a backpack was taken. Police arrived to assist.

At 2:25 p.m. an assault occurred at Baskin Robins on Arnold Drive. Three males wearing red bandanas allegedly jumped a man and fled on foot towards Highway 4. The three alleged attackers were thought to be associated with a Green Subaru. The reported victim did not require medical attention.

At 4:36 p.m. on Tahoe Circle, two white female juveniles were reported to be walking up into driveways and checking to see if vehicles were locked. The two females in question were said to be walking a dog at the time, north towards Alhambra Avenue. They were gone upon arrival of the police.

At 5:03 p.m. a missing adult was reported at Martinez Adult School. The alleged missing person is a black male adult named John Shannon. He is reported to be around six feet tall, and he was wearing black jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt at the time of his disappearance. He is reported to be off his medications. He was gone upon arrival of police.

At 6:25 p.m., an alleged assault occurred on Morello Heights Drive. The reporting party (RP) stated a white female in her 50s with dark hair and a blue shirt came to the door and was yelling at the RP. The suspect allegedly got into the house and hit the RP. Diane Whitmer was arrested.

At 7:11 p.m. at the Amtrak Station on Marina Vista, a man was reported to be “on something” and walking dangerously close to the tracks. Reports about a man fitting a similar description were made at 7:24 and 9:26 p.m. The police assisted in this situation after the 9:26 p.m. call.

Nov. 3

At 12:42 a.m. a suspicious person was reported on Willow Creek Lane. The supposed suspicious person was reported to be standing “at the door talking,” but it wasn’t clear who the man was talking to. Police arrived and made an arrest, taking Raymond Jones into custody.

At 12:54 a.m. police were called to Ray’s Lounge on Ferry Street because a woman had returned to the bar and allegedly started harassing workers. The woman in question was described as a white female adult. Police arrived to assist.

At 1:02 a.m. a man was reported to have jumped into a yard on Vista Way. The person who contacted the police said there were no people or pets in the backyard at the time. Police arrived to assist.

At 6:31 a.m. a petty theft was reported at Tower Mart on Howe Road. An unknown person was reported to have broken in and stolen several full propane tanks. The police made a report on the incident.

At 6:38 a.m. a theft was reported on Vista Oaks Drive. The alleged victim said that her vehicle registration tags were stolen from her car and placed on another nearby vehicle. The police arrived to assist.

At 8:12 a.m. at the Church of Christ on Arnold Drive a theft was reported. An unknown person allegedly broke into the shed and stole music equipment. Police took a report on the incident.

At 10:38 a.m. a local warrant was served at Marina Vista Park on Alhambra Avenue. Eddrick Beshears was arrested by police.

At 2:22 p.m. a wallet was found by hikers on Vista Oaks Drive.

At 4:04 p.m. a robbery was reported at Walmart on Arnold Drive. Hoan Truong was arrested.

At 4:15 p.m. a suspicious vehicle was reported at Convalescent Hospitals on Ilene Street. A Hispanic male adult was seen putting what appeared to be a long bar into the back of his pants. He was also said to be wearing a green army-colored trench coat. He was reported to be with a Hispanic female adult with long black hair, and both were said to appear nervous. They were said to be associated with a dark gray vehicle with no plates.

At 4:53 p.m. at the Martinez Police Department on Henrietta Street, a woman was taken into custody on a felony warrant. Dezane Turbin was arrested.

At 5:07 p.m. on Euclid Avenue a suspicious couple was seen allegedly trying to take packages off of a porch. The suspicious couple was described as a white male adult with a shaved head and a white, blond female adult with a backpack. A log not was taken.

At 6:22 p.m. a miscellaneous disturbance was reported at Parkway Drive and Howe Road. Two males were reported to be throwing and kicking each other in the park. The men in question were gone upon arrival of police.

At 7:24 p.m. a theft was reported at the Marina Market on Escobar Street. The reported thief was described as a white male adult in a brown shirt. He was reported to have taken peanuts and chips from the store.

Music equipment stolen from church

By KAI GLOVER
Martinez News-Gazette

Nov. 3
(Continued from the Nov. 18 edition)

At 6:31 a.m. a petty theft was reported at Tower Mart on Howe Road. An unknown person was reported to have broken in and stolen several full propane tanks. The police made a report on the incident.

At 6:38 a.m. a theft was reported on Vista Oaks Drive. The alleged victim said that her vehicle registration tags were stolen from her car and placed on another nearby vehicle. The police arrived to assist.

At 8:12 a.m. at the Church of Christ on Arnold Drive a theft was reported. An unknown person allegedly broke into the shed and stole music equipment. Police took a report on the incident.

At 10:38 a.m. a local warrant was served at Marina Vista Park on Alhambra Avenue. Eddrick Beshears was arrested by police.

At 2:22 p.m. a wallet was found by hikers on Vista Oaks Drive.

At 4:04 p.m. a robbery was reported at Walmart on Arnold Drive. Hoan Truong was arrested.

At 4:15 p.m. a suspicious vehicle was reported at Convalescent Hospitals on Ilene Street. A Hispanic male adult was seen putting what appeared to be a long bar into the back of his pants. He was also said to be wearing a green army-colored trench coat. He was reported to be with a Hispanic female adult with long black hair, and both were said to appear nervous. They were said to be associated with a dark gray vehicle with no plates.

At 4:53 p.m. at the Martinez Police Department on Henrietta Street, a woman was taken into custody on a felony warrant. Dezane Turbin was arrested.

At 5:07 p.m. on Euclid Avenue a suspicious couple was seen allegedly trying to take packages off of a porch. The suspicious couple was described as a white male adult with a shaved head and a white, blond female adult with a backpack. A log not was taken.

At 6:22 p.m. a miscellaneous disturbance was reported at Parkway Drive and Howe Road. Two males were reported to be throwing and kicking each other in the park. The men in question were gone upon arrival of police.

At 7:24 p.m. a theft was reported at the Marina Market on Escobar Street. The reported thief was described as a white male adult in a brown shirt. He was reported to have taken peanuts and chips from the store.

A notorious Martinez man was arrested on suspicion of auto theft and burglary – his third arrest this month for auto theft. And his one-man crime spree could be coming to an end.

Antonio Michael Neely, 19, has been arrested eight times by Martinez Police Department on various theft and drug charges over the last three months.

Neely’s criminal exploits have been the buzz on social media for a few months, many residents questioning why his many arrests never lead to prosecution. There are many factors, but one is Neely’s charges haven’t navigated the bloated county court system.

Since June, Neely has accumulated eight arrests on suspicion of theft, burglary, possession of controlled substance (listed below). To date, all of his Martinez arrests are non-violent.

Around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, police received a call from a resident in the 4900 block of Alhambra Valley Road reporting a suspicious person, according to police.

The caller told police they saw the suspect pushing a motorcycle down a neighbor’s driveway, attempt to jump start it and then load it into a stolen pick-up truck.

When an officer arrived at the scene, the officer spotted the suspect running from the truck, which had two motorcycles in the truck’s bed, police said.

The officer detained the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Antonio Neely. Neely admitted to the officer that he had driven the truck and loaded the two motorcycles onto the truck’s bed, police said.

Police contacted the motorcycle’s owners and confirmed the items were stolen as the owners slept, according to police.

An officer also contacted the owner of the truck, who was unaware the truck had been stolen earlier that night, police said.

Police arrested Neely on suspicion of three counts of auto theft and two counts of burglary of an occupied dwelling. Police said Neely returned twice to the residence to steal property.

Neely may be charged with three counts of auto theft, and police said they’ve arrested him three times over the past month on the same suspicion. He also is suspected of two counts of burglary, and was in custody at the West County Detention Center in Richmond on a bond of $225,000.

The following includes adult arrests affected by the Martinez Police Department for Antonio Michael Neely, age 19. This does not include any arrests that may have been affected by other law enforcement agencies, e.g. arrested in the county area of Martinez.

6/03/2015 459 PC                Auto Burglary

               496(A) PC       Possession of Stolen Property

               11350(A) H&S     Possession of Narcotic Controlled Substance

6/13/2015 484I(A) PC          Unlawful Possession of Access Card

               496(A) PC       Possession of Stolen Property

               530.5(A) PC         Identity Theft

6/23/2015 484(A)                Petty Theft

               22210 PC       Possession of blackjack, sap, etc.

7/05/2015 496(A) PC       Possession of Stolen Property

               11350(A) H&S     Possession of Narcotic Controlled Substance

               11377(A) H&S     Possession of Controlled Substance

               11550(A) H&S     Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance

7/30/2015 602(L) PC       Trespass

8/01/2015 10851(A) CVC     Stolen Vehicle

               11350(A) H&S     Possession of Narcotic Controlled Substance

               11377(A) H&S     Possession of Controlled Substance

               472 PC                Forge Official Seal

               460 PC                1st Degree Burglary

               243(C) (2) PC      Battery on Peace Officer

               148(A) PC       Resist/Delay/Obstruct Officer

8/09/2015 11350(A) H&S     Possession of Narcotic Controlled Substance

                       602(L) PC       Trespass

8/14/2015 460 PC                1st Degree Burglary

                       10851(A) CVC     Stolen Vehicle

Martinez man shot in leg

A man was shot in the leg at a housing complex near Contra Costa County facilities in Martinez Saturday morning, according to the Martinez Police Department.

Officers responded to the area of Fountainhead Court off Muir Road at 11:14 a.m. on report of shots heard in the area.

That roadway is adjacent to the Fountainhead Gardens apartments as well as a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office facility.

A 29-year-old man was found in his residence on Fountainhead Court with a gunshot wound to the lower leg. He was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life threatening, according to police.

Another nearby residence was also struck by gunfire. A female occupant was home at the time of the shooting, but she was not injured, police said.

Investigators believe that the man shot knows the suspect, who fled the scene in a gold four-door sedan. The shooting remains under investigation, according to police.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Martinez Police Department at (925) 372-3440.

Vandalism leads to return jail trip

A woman released from the Martinez Detention Facility was subsequently re-arrested, according to authorities from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

The woman, who apparently stated she wanted to go back to jail, was arrested once again for felony vandalism on early Monday morning after allegedly vandalizing vehicles sitting in the parking lot of the county jail in Martinez.

Committing the crime was 35-year-old Chelsy Ginochio, a resident of Antioch. Ginochio was first brought into the Martinez Detention Facility by the Antioch Police Department for misdemeanor vandalism.

Ginochio also claimed she wanted to go to jail, while throwing rocks at a hospital door and cars.

The vandalism was first noticed by a deputy sheriff on his way into the county jail. He heard the smashing of windows and notified the sergeant, at which point deputies attempted to detain the woman.

Gionochio resisted arrest as a group of deputies attempted to restrain her, leading to one deputy suffering an injured right knee.

The cars in the parking lot suffered smashed front and rear windows, scratched glass, and broken windshield wipers. A total of five vehicles were vandalized.

Arrested on suspicion of vandalism and a probation violation, Ginochio was booked right back into the Martinez Detention Facility. Her bail is set at $20,000.

MPD seeks help in robbery

Wingstop interior security footage captured this image of the two robbery suspects.

The Martinez Police Department are investigating an armed robbery at Wingstop.

Officers responded at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday to the Wingstop at 1029 Arnold Drive to a report of a possible robbery in progress at the restaurant, police said.

A witness told police two suspects with knives were confronting the cashier. Police said they received an alarm from the business moments later.

The suspects fled from the scene before officers arrived, police said.

Employees told police the two suspects entered the business, went around the counter and demanded money.

Both suspects were holding knives, and one suspect brandished his knife at the employee’s face and instructed her to open the cash register, police said.

The suspects fled the restaurant with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Several customers were in the store at the time of the robbery, but there were no reported injuries.

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic man about 20 years old and wearing a black jacket, gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

The second suspect is described as a Hispanic man about 20 years old and wearing a red jacket, a black beanie and black jeans.

Witnesses are asked to call the Martinez Detective Bureau at (925) 372-3400.

Crash near Martinez kills Concord man

A crash on Tuesday night on state Highway 4 near Martinez tragically took the life of a 29-year-old man when his pickup truck careened off of the freeway and overturned, California Highway Patrol officials said. The crash was unfortunately the first fatality on Contra Costa County highways in 2016.

The man was identified as Michael Burrie, a 29-year-old Concord resident, according to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office. The crash occurred at 9:46 p.m, as stated by CHP Contra Costa Spokesman John Fransen on the group’s Facebook page.

Burrie’s blue Toyota pickup truck veered off Highway 4’s eastbound lanes, shot over the southbound connector ramp and into the air, and landed into a dirt embankment overturned. Burrie, the only person in the car, was ejected from his truck during the crash.

CHP currently theorizes that Burrie was not wearing a seatbelt, which caused him to be launched from the vehicle. Burrie was found dead at the scene.

However, investigators are still looking into reasons for why Burrie initially lost control of his vehicle and allowed it to overshoot the connector ramp.

A toxicology report was performed by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office to determine if alcohol or drugs were a factor, however results from the tests will not be available for six to eight weeks.

The accident caused the CHP to send out a SIG Alert for severe traffic at 10:08 p.m, which was finally lifted at 11:33 p.m.

CHP is asking that anyone with more information on the crash or the events leading up to it call CHP Contra Costa at 925-646-4980.

By MANJIT SAPPAL
Martinez Chief of Police

This month we were fortunate to make strides with hiring and added one new police officer and two dispatchers. We hired Officer Evan Tozier as a police officer and he was sworn in on March 7th. Officer Tozier spent 6 years in the Coast Guard, has a bachelor’s degree, and put himself through the police academy. We also hired Megan Magers-Rankin, an existing Records Unit employee as a dispatcher.

She has been with our Records Unit for the last 8 years and has done an amazing job. We also hired Stephanie Cooley as a new dispatcher. She is a former Tribal Police Officer and have previously worked as a probation officer.

On March 21, we welcomed back Officer Ricky Vasquez who left for Concord PD a few months ago. He decided to come back to Martinez and we are glad to have him return. We also have one more police officer applicant in the final stages of the hiring process and look forward to having him start work soon.

While hiring is a challenge, we are making good progress and hope to build on these efforts to get to full staffing.

As far as crime trends go, we are still experiencing an alarming increase in the thefts of Ford trucks. These trucks seem to be highly sought after and we strongly urge you to use an alarm or anti-theft locking device such as the “Club” or the type that locks the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from being moved. We had one recent attempted theft of a Ford truck in which the owner had an alarm – this thwarted the theft.

Another area of concern is the increase in residential burglaries that went up from 5 last month to 13 this month. Some of the best ways to prevent from being a victim are to:

• Make sure all doors and windows are locked. If you can reinforce windows with wooden dowels to prevent them from being opened or adding additional locks, it makes it harder to pry them open.

• Install an alarm if you do not have one and turn it on when you leave your home. Alarms come with a variety of options such as window breakage sensors, door and window sensors, and motion sensors. It is worth looking into an alarm.

• Know your neighbors and report suspicious behavior in your neighborhood. If you see people driving around or peering into windows, call us. If something does not look right, report it so we can check it out.

We had quite a bit of police activity over the month and the following is a snapshot of some of the activity:

• Officer Breinig stopped a car on Pacheco near Morello and found that the driver was in possession of quantity of methamphetamine for sale purposes.

•Officer Lincoln stopped a car in the 3900 block of Pacheco Blvd. and made an arrest for possession for sales of 30 grams of methamphetamine.

• Officers responded to the report of an individual that drove up to a 12 year old student and offered her a ride. The 12 year old saw this person driving around several times prior and described the individual as a black male adult driving a blue Ford Focus. An intensive effort was made to locate this person, but they were not found. Martinez Junior High School followed up with a bulletin for parents regarding the incident.

• Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 3500 block of Pacheco Blvd. resulting in the seizure of a quantity of methamphetamine possessed for the purpose of sales. The driver was arrested.

• Parking Enforcement followed up on a parking issue resulting in towing a trailer. During the process a large quantity of stolen mail was found in the trailer.

• Officer Breinig located a person with an outstanding arrest warrant and found the individual in possession of narcotics resulting in additional charges.

• Residents called about suspicious activity near a suspected drug house in the 1000 block of Palisade Drive. Officer Lincoln responded and made an arrest for outstanding warrants.

• Officers responded to the report of a vehicle theft in progress in the 5700 block of Likins Court. The resident called in the suspicious behavior and provided the license plate of the getaway car. The getaway car was found to have been stolen from Danville. The suspects fled prior to police arrival and during the search, one suspect was found and arrested.

• Officers followed up with a probation search which resulted in an arrest. As a reminder, PLEASE CALL us about suspicious activity in your neighborhood. If someone is peering into cars or checking mailboxes, give us a call.

Anytime you see anything that seems out of the ordinary, call dispatch so we can send an officer over to check on things. At least we have the opportunity to investigate and potentially prevent a crime if someone is up to no good.

I have received quite a few emails this month from people about issues in their neighborhoods and have found that more often than not, people are not calling dispatch to report suspicious behavior or people engaged in bad behavior very often. It is extremely important to call dispatch (925-372-3440) when you see something out of place or behavior that appears suspicious.

When you make the callwe log the information intoour database and send an officer to investigate. It is far more productive for an officer to respond when the issue is occurring rather than learning about it long after the fact.

By MANJIT SAPPAL
Martinez Chief of Police

Canine patrol update

As we increase staffing, we will be adding two canines to our Patrol Bureau.

We have been fortunate to have received donations to fund the program and we recently received $1,000.00 from the Contra Costa County Kennel Club – we want to thank everyone for their generosity

Here are some snapshots of activity over the past month:

• Officer Breinig observed a U-Haul truck on Highway 4 at 680 having difficulties staying in the lane. He initiated a traffic stop. The driver smelled of alcohol and the female passenger was found to be on probation with a search and seizure clause. During a search of the vehicle, Officer Breinig noticed the center console was loose. He removed the cup holder and found two loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistols that were found to have been stolen from an unreported burglary in Vallejo. A further search resulted in officers finding the following:

– A bullet proof vest

– A loaded semi-automatic GSG-5 .22 rifle with 20 rounds of ammunition

– A shoulder holster containing a loaded magazine for a Smith and Wesson firearm.

– A glass water pipe for smoking methamphetamine

The driver of the U-Haul was arrested on multiple charges.

• Officers responded to the 3800 block of Vista Oaks Drive on a report of a suspect who punched his girlfriend multiple times in the face causing great bodily injury. The suspect fled the area on foot. The suspect is currently on parole and is outstanding.

• Officer Tozier arrested a subject on Foutainhead Court for elder abuse and financial fraud. Over a period of 2 years, the suspect stole approximately $45,000 in cash from the victim. The suspect was booked into MDF.

• City workers were at the Harbor View Water Tower when they were approached by a man who pointed a shotgun at them. The suspect thought the workers were going to vandalize the water tower. The suspect left the area and City workers called dispatch. Officer Miller and other officers responded and Officer Miller located the suspect. The suspect was arrested for driving under the influence and exhibiting a firearm. (A bb gun was found in the suspect’s vehicle. It resembled a shotgun.)

• Officer Russell was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle in the 200 block of Hidden Creek Court. She contacted the driver and he was in possession of a switch blade knife. The driver was arrested and released with a citation.

• Officer Ramos was dispatched to Susana Street Park for a possible shots fired. Officer Ramos located a witness who stated he heard a juvenile on the phone in a heated verbal conversation. The phone conversation ended and the juvenile met up with two other juveniles in the 1000 block of Estudillo Street. The three juveniles started walking south on Estudillo Street. A short time later, the juveniles ran back toward the 1000 block of Estudillo Street and the reporting party possibly heard one shot fired. There were no shell casings located and no witnesses to an actual shot being fired. MPD units tried to locate the juveniles at the location in the 1000 block of Estudillo Street and there was no answer at the door. We called the hospital and there was no report of a gunshot victim.

• Officer Lekse initiated an enforcement stop of a vehicle on Arnold Drive at Sundance. He identified the driver and a consent search revealed .25 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of a methamphetamine pipe. He was released from the police department.

• Corporal Salamid observed a female parked in the parking lot of the Shell gas station on Pacheco Boulevard at Arthur Road. He knew she was on probation for drug violations with a search clause. He contacted her and a passenger and conducted a probation search. The search revealed 1.0 gram of methamphetamine in her purse. She was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a methamphetamine pipe.

• Pleasant Hill PD had a suspect flee on foot from a stolen vehicle on Riley Drive at Temple Drive. MPD Officers assisted with setting up a perimeter while a K9 attempted to track the suspect – unfortunately, the suspect was not found.

• Officers responded to a report of a hit and run that occurred near the intersection of Court Street and Main Street. The caller/victim reported they were currently behind the suspect vehicle and had made it all the way to eastbound SR4 near Morello Ave. Officers were able to catch up to the suspect and watched as the suspect was involved in another collision. The suspect was identified, and a hit and run investigation was conducted.

• Officer Vasquez contacted a male Antioch resident during a consensual vehicle contact in the parking lot of Chevron gas at Pacheco Boulevard at Arthur Road. The male was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The vehicle he was in was found to have paper license plates and further investigation revealed the car to be stolen. The subject was arrested for the warrant and for the possession of stolen property.

• Officer Vasquez noted an unoccupied green Ford Ranger parked in a parking stall near Pine Street and Sentinel Drive. Officer Vasquez recalled a similar vehicle being reported stolen and an investigation revealed the Ford pick-up truck stolen out of Concord.

• An Officer was checking on a homeless encampment when he slipped on uneven ground resulting in a fall. The officer sustained an injury to his ribs during the incident.

• Officer Mayberry responded to an unresponsive female with no vital signs. He provided CPR until the fire department took over life saving efforts. The female ultimately regained her pulse and the Fire Captain from Consolidated Fire stated that Officer Mayberry’s actions were significant in saving the woman’s life.

• Officer Mayberry and other officers responded to Safeway in the 3000 block of Alhambra Avenue to a report of a male subject acting erratically. The subject was placed on a mental health evaluation hold and transported by ambulance.

We have been seeing an uptick in homelessness activity throughout the city. We are currently abating two encampments and will be increasing our presence to work with the homeless population to guide them into services.

In the event that you see any criminal activity, please do not hesitate to call dispatch at 925-372-3440.

A cannon from World War I previously stolen from a veteran’s hall in Richmond was successfully recovered last week, after a Martinez man had unknowingly purchased the stolen historical find.

This World War I cannon, on display in Richmond, was stolen last weekend (VETERANS HALL OF RICHMOND / Courtesy)

The inoperable brass 1 ton, 105 mm cannon was stolen in the early morning of May 1 from where it had stood for nearly 70 years, in front of the Richmond Veteran’s Memorial Hall at 968 23rd St.

The theft prompted the Richmond Police Department to send out the word to help find the stolen historical item.

A Martinez man noticed an NBC news story circulating about the stolen cannon, and realized the cannon he had purchased just days ago for $1200 was indeed the one stolen from the Richmond Veteran’s Hall.

“This gentleman was more than helpful and felt absolutely horrible he had inadvertently bought a stolen piece of American history,” wrote the Richmond Police Department on their Facebook page. The man immediately called Richmond police and helped detectives return the item to its resting place at the hall.

The Richmond PD thanked all involved in retrieving the stolen cannon. “We want to thank NBC Bay Area, our community residents, residents in the Bay Area and the gentleman who did the right thing and called us. This is a great example of community policing – community, media and police working in harmony.”

According to Richmond police, the suspects towed the cannon using a teal or blue pickup truck with grey or silver rear bumper and wheels. No arrests have currently been made, and the case is still be investigated.
Those with additional information on the culprits are urged to call RPD Property Crimes Detective T. Kaiser at (510) 965-4966.

MARTINEZ, Calif. – A one-car crash Monday afternoon heavily damaged some Interstate-680 guard rail and tangled northbound traffic from Martinez to Alamo, California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Brandon Correia said Tuesday.

The accident, reported at 4:57 p.m. Monday, occurred when a woman, traveling north on I-680, lost control of her vehicle and slammed into the right shoulder guardrail, Correia said.

The 30-year-old driver from Vallejo was the only occupant of the car, he said, and no other vehicles were involved.

The woman was injured in the accident, and was sent by ambulance to John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, Correia said. He was unable to describe her condition.

The crash happened during the afternoon commute. Two lanes of traffic had to be blocked by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District while debris from both the car and the concrete guard rail was cleared from the road, Correia said.

Traffic backed up south to Alamo, but was traveling at normal speeds in about an hour, he said.

Checkpoint Snags One DUI Suspect

If a recent California Highway Patrol spot check of motorists in Martinez is any indication, people are getting the message about not driving while impaired.

Officers set up a checkpoint at 4105 Pacheco Boulevard Friday night and tallied 592 motorists at the stop, Officer Brandon Correia said.

While multiple drivers were evaluated as possibly being impaired, only one was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, Correia said. Officers learned that many of those who had been imbibing had chosen a designated driver to take the wheel, he said. “I think that’s good.”

Trio pulls gun on woman

Two women and a man pulled a gun on a woman and threatened to shoot her in front of the Whiskey Lane bar on Ferry Street just before midnight on July 11th.

Martinez Police found Carlo Alfonso Camacho and Kathleen Elaine Davis leaving downtown in a Maroon Chevy Malibu. Police identified them as the man and one of the women involved in the incident and recovered a gun. Martinez Police Department is continuing to investigate the case.

Contra Costa County Sheriff’s deputies are continuing to search for suspects in the theft of several tall bronze statues, a decanter collection and a truck taken in three burglaries that began July 15 at a home in the 5000 block of Alhambra Valley Road, Jimmy Lee, public information officer, said.

“Many of the items stolen are distinctive,” Lee said, adding that detectives are asking for help from anyone who saw anything suspicious at the home or who have seen the stolen property.

Deputies first were called to the home at about 9:10 p.m. that night, when they were told the home had been burglarized. After taking reports and examining the house, they left, only to be called back 1 p.m. the next day after thieves returned and took more items.

They were called back for a third time at about 8 p.m. July 16 that night to learn that a pickup truck parked in the home’s driveway had been taken when the house was struck a third time, Lee said.

Among the stolen items he described are an 8-foot tricolored statue of Marc Anthony, an 8.5 foot tricolored statue of Cleopatra and a Lady Justice statue that is 4 feet tall.

Also taken were two bronze tiger statues, three bronze drinking pitchers, a collection of whisky decanters, and MK tile saw and a mink-like coat, Lee said.

(Items pictured below)

He said the truck is a 1995 Dodge 3500 with an extended cab and the California license plate 5Y33805.

Anyone with information about the theft or the whereabouts of the stolen articles may call the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 925-313-2661. Information also may be emailed to tips@so.cccounty.us, and those who want to remain anonymous may call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message, Lee said.

by Manjit Sappal, Chief of Martinez Police Department

On behalf of the Martinez Police Department, I wanted to extend our gratitude to all of our community members that took time dropping off food, flowers, and kind notes to us.

Chief Manjit Sappal

While many communities are going through tragedy and trying times, we are thankful to have this community and your thoughts, actions, kindness, and support are examples of what makes this city such a wonderful place.

Summer season and activities are in full swing and this is usually a busy time for most police departments. Calls for service pick up and officers deal with a host of different issues. We have received concerns about response times from a few neighborhoods, so I wanted to spend time explaining how we prioritize calls that officers respond to.

When a person calls 911 or our non-emergency number, they will connect with a dispatcher. If you call from a cell phone, depending on where you are calling from (proximity to a cell phone tower) the call may get routed directly to us, to the California Highway Patrol, or to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. If the request for police service is in our jurisdiction, you will be forwarded to the Martinez Police Department. When you speak to a dispatcher, you will be asked questions and based on the conversation, your call details will be entered into a computer so an officer can be sent to assist.

If you are calling for an in-progress crime, officers will be dispatched immediately. The only time that there may be a delay is if officers in the field are already attending to an in-progress call. If the nature of your call does not involve the immediate danger to life, your call will be placed in line for the next available beat officer. For example, let’s say that you wake up one morning and as you leave your house you find that your car was broken into as someone shattered your window to get in. You call the police, but to your dismay, it takes 45 minutes for an officer to show up.

Conceivably, you are already starting the day off having to deal with someone breaking into your car, taking your valuables, and leaving you with an expensive bill for repair as well as having to take time to get your car fixed. You may think that the fact you called the police and it took them so long to arrive is unacceptable. What you may not know is that just after you called, dispatch received a call of a domestic disturbance and since there is a potential for injury in these types of cases, officers were dispatched to the domestic disturbance first. When they arrived, they found that the victim was struck by the assailant and injured. This in­vestigation took time to resolve.

Now, you may be thinking…”wait, how about all the other officers working?” This is a good thought, but you may not have been aware that the other two officers work­ing the shift were tied up on a minor injury accident downtown. While there were no injuries at the accident, traffic was snarled and required one officer to provide traffic control while the other tended to the injured party await­ing EMS.

Another thing to keep in mind is that for non-emergency calls, we typically want the Neighborhood Policing Area (NPA) Officer to respond to incidents in the areas they patrol. This can, at times, delay a response to a non-emergency call, but it is important for the officers assigned to your neighborhood to know what is going on in that neighborhood. I hope this helps clear things up in terms of how we respond; and in the event you call and are not happy with the time it took for an officer to arrive, feel free to call dispatch (925-372-3440) and ask for the Watch Commander to give you a call. The Watch Commanders supervise the shift, allocate resources, and make sure things are handled properly. If something needs to be addressed or if an explanation is needed, they can respond when the issue is taking place.

As far as crime trends are concerned, we have seen good re­ductions in many crime categories compared to last year, as well as a few increases. Overall, our Part I crime (violent and property crime) is down 12% compared to 2015. Between June 2016 and May 2016 we saw significant decreases in all property crimes, most notably, vehicle theft was down 50% and residential bur­glary was down 40%. Robberies are up compared to last year and compared to last month, aggra­vated assaults were also up.

One of the issues we have been struggling with has been in the area of property crimes, which seem to be affecting many agencies in California, and our best defense is to focus on crime prevention. For additional informa­tion on crime prevention, refer to our webpage:
http://www.cityofmartinez.org/depts/police/crime_prevention.asp

We had quite a bit of police activity over the month and the following is a snapshot of some of the activity:

• Officer Busciglio was dis­patched to the Tennis Courts at Nancy Boyd Park for vandalism. He investigated the extensive damage and found the courts were gouged and punctured; the lighting for the courts was also damaged. *** While we have no leads, if you see any suspicious behavior in a park or one of your neigh­borhoods, please call dispatch at 925-372-3440.

• Officer Tozier contacted an individual that was intoxicated walking in the middle of Howe Road and Arnold Drive. The suspect became uncooperative when contacted and was ultimately arrested.

• Officer Voyvodich located a wanted felon that had a warrant issued for his arrest. The suspect fled upon contact resulting in a foot pursuit in the downtown area. The suspect was apprehended and arrested.

• Officer Wah responded to Walmart for a male near the front door that was screaming and using profanity. Officer Wah contacted the subject and determined that he was under the influence of a con­trolled substance. The subject was found in possession of a drugs resulting in his arrest.

• Officers responded to 735 Escobar Street (Marina Market) for an alarm. Officer Ramos discovered that the front door had been shattered. No one was inside the business. When officers reviewed the CCTV, it showed a white female adult kick the front door causing the window to break. She entered the store and took several bottles of alcohol. Sgt. Muncher located the suspect at Marina Vista and Estudillo Street and placed her under arrest.

• Officers responded to the 1400 block of Lang Street for the report of a physical fight in the street where someone may have been struck in the face with a bat. Officers arrived on scene and confirmed the report. The suspect then fled the area in a vehicle. When the suspect later returned home, he was arrested by Officer Broussard for assault with a deadly weapon.

Our newest addition is Brute and his partner is Officer Breinig. Both are currently away at canine school and should be back patrolling our streets soon

• Officer Sanders stopped a Nissan Altima on Green Street at Talbart Street. The driver had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest and the investigation also revealed that the Nissan was a reported stolen vehicle out of Concord. The suspect was arrested for the warrant and possession of a stolen vehicle.

• Officer Tozier was traveling northbound on Ferry Street when he observed a male subject not wearing a shirt behind the fenced off area where the restored train is displayed. There are several “No Trespassing” signs along the locked fenced area. He ultimately arrested the subject for trespassing and probation violation.

• Officer Russell was dispatched to Safeway at 3334 Alhambra Avenue for a male subject refusing to leave the store. Officer Russell arrested the subject for public intoxication and booked him into the county jail.

• Officer Tozier conducted a pedestrian stop in the 3900 block of Alhambra Ave. During the contact, Officer Tozier located a small amount of methamphetamine on the suspect. The suspect was arrested for being under the influence and possession of a controlled substance.

• Dispatch received a call of a male who brandished a firearm at a female in front of the Whiskey Lane bar. The male left with two females in a maroon Chevy Impala toward Escobar Street. Officer Lincoln saw a Maroon Malibu outbound Pacheco Boulevard which resulted in MPD units conducting a high risk car stop. The occupants of the vehicle were detained, positively identified, and the pistol used was recovered.

• Officer Lekse was conducting extra patrols on Hidden Creek Court when he encountered a wanted suspect with an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. The subject was arrested and booked into Martinez Detention Facility.

• Dispatch received a call from a woman who stated her daughter had left her purse outside a location in the 100 block of Village Place. The purse contained an iPhone. Someone took the purse and the victim was able to ping the phone which showed as being near the 7 flags car wash on Alhambra Ave. Officers Vasquez and Williamson responded to the car wash and located a vehicle parked in the back corner of the carwash. They contacted two subjects and found them to be in possession of the items that were taken. They were arrested.

• Officer Carney was dispatched to the Arana Drive area on the report of a suspicious male with his pants down. Officer Carney contacted a Martinez resident who was found to be in possession of heroin. The subject was arrested.

• Officer Breinig was dispatched to Mellus Street and Ferry Street for a suspicious person. He contacted a Martinez resident who was on probation with a search and seizure clause. Officer Breinig searched the subject and found him to be in possession of methamphetamine in his right front coin pocket; he was arrested.

• Officers were conducting patrols in the 700 block of Arnold Drive along the railroad tracks for homeless encampments. Officers contacted two individuals and they were arrested for possession of a firearm as well as for outstanding warrants.

• Officer Ramos responded to the 5800 block of Alhambra Avenue for a suspicious vehicle. He contacted a subject who was found to be in pos­session of drugs, which re­sulted in his arrest.

• MPD units were dispatched to the report of a stabbing in the center median of Marina Vista Avenue near Miller Avenue. The suspect was identified and detained at the scene. The preliminary investigation suggested that the subject was stabbed in self-defense. The victim was transported to John Muir hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

As a reminder, please call us about suspicious activity in your neighborhood. If someone is peering into cars or checking mailboxes, give us a call. Anytime you see anything that seems out of the ordinary, call dispatch so we can send an officer over to check on things. At least we have the opportunity to investigate and potentially prevent a crime if someone is up to no good.

Considering the recent tragedy in Dallas with several officers being killed, the Martinez Police Officers Association (MPOA) made arrangements to send three officers to Dallas for the funeral services to show our solidarity and support for those that lost their lives in the line of duty:

I am excited to share that we recently added another K9 to our patrol division. For those of you that are not aware, we received donations from the community to fund our K9 program and we were able to purchase another canine – this brings our canine program up to two canines. The generous contributions may allow us to purchase an additional canine later this year.

Our newest addition is Brute and his partner is Officer Breinig. Both are currently away at canine school and should be back patrolling our streets soon:

On another positive note, we had a group of sworn and non-sworn personnel participate in the Torch run to support the Northern California Special Olympics – great cause and great group of people working as a team!

by Manjit Sappal, Martinez Chief of Police

Summer is coming to an end and that usually signifies the beginning of school throughout many communities and a large challenge is traffic safety. Keeping our youth safe is a priority for all of us and part of that involves driving safely.

Chief Manjit Sappal

As school begins, traffic gets more congested and the response by many drivers is to drive faster – please DON’T do that. Driving faster puts the public at risk, so leave earlier, be patient, and drive with care. When driving in school zones, please be careful. We posted some tips, from the National Safety Council, for people to think about. You can find them on our Facebook page, but here are the nuts and bolts:

• Don’t double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
• Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school.
• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school crosswalk.
• Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic.
• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
• Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way.

On August 24, 2016 our Regional Traffic Enforcement Team worked on traffic enforcement in the school zones of Martinez, as well as other areas in which we have received traffic related complaints. The results of the enforcement activity were:

Total Stops: 89

Traffic Citations: 74
Arrests: 1
Warnings: 14

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of the residents and businesses that participated on National Night Out. We had a large turnout out at many of the locations that sponsored this event; the event is designed to bring neighbors together, as well as the community and the police. It was a tremendous success!

We had quite a bit of police activity over the month and the following is a snapshot:

• Sergeant Gaul stopped a Ford F250 on Brown Street and Castro Street for not having license plates. He contacted the driver who immediately fled in the vehicle resulting in a pursuit. Corporal Salamid was one block away and assisted in the pursuit. The pursuit was terminated on Alhambra Avenue at C Street due to the driver crossing over the center island and driving the wrong way; the pursuit was too unsafe for the public and was stopped. Minutes later a citizen flagged Officer Poertner down and directed him to the 2800 block of Castro Street. Officer Poertner located the vehicle and parked behind it.The suspect put the truck in reverse and rammed the patrol car, but could not get away. Officers were able to pull the driver from the vehicle and arrest him. Officer Poertner was not injured, but his patrol car sustained moderate front-end damage. The truck was stolen from the Walnut Creek BART station and the suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, felony evading, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of burglary tools, felon in possession of a stun gun, and violation of probation. He is currently on probation for stealing vehicles. He was booked into MDF.

• Officer Busciglio contacted a subject at Castro Street and Ward Street and knew the subject had three outstanding warrants for his arrest; the subject was arrested and booked into MDF.

• Officer Ramos was dispatched to a possible drunk driver in the downtown area. Officer Ramos contacted the driver at Ward Street and Las Juntas Street. The subject was arrested for driving under the influence and booked into MDF.

• Officer Poertner responded to the 3400 block of Pacheco Blvd. for a subject who was trying to steal the owners pick up. The suspect was in the truck when the owner arrived at the business. The suspect fled on foot and the owner caught up with him. The suspect was arrested.

• Officer Lincoln responded to Sheridan Lane on the report of someone sleeping in the caller’s trailer. Officer Lincoln determined that the suspect broke into the trailer to sleep. She was arrested for tampering with a vehicle and providing false identification – she was booked into MDF.

• Officers were dispatched to the Shell Credit Union, 1700 Pacheco Blvd., for a subject that was smoking “crack” at the front door. The subject was contacted, and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a meth pipe. He was booked into MDF by Officer Poertner.

• Officers were dispatched to Amtrak to assist in removing an unruly passenger from the train. The subject was removed and found to be wanted on four outstanding arrest warrants. He was booked into MDF by Officer Poertner.

• Officers were dispatched to Benson Court for the report of a subject, known to the victim, who forcibly entered the home. The suspect was arrested for burglary, attempt kidnapping, false imprisonment, trespass with force, and vandalism. The suspect was booked into MDF by Officer Lincoln.
• Officers were dispatched to the area of Green Street and Castro Street for the report of a subject waving a knife. The subject was contacted several blocks away. It was determined he did not brandish the knife at anyone, but he was extremely intoxicated, resulting in his arrest and transportation to MDF by Officer Poertner.

• Officer Sanders was dispatched to the 700 block of Blue Ridge Dr. for a vehicle that drove into a telephone pole. It was reported that a male and female got out of the car and fled the area. Officer Sanders located the two near Apex Ct. and determined that the male was driving while under the influence. Officer Sanders arrested the subject and booked him into MDF.

• Officer Tozier made a traffic stop at 3520 Pacheco Blvd. The driver was arrested after brass knuckles were found on his person.

• Officer Mayberry contacted a subject in the 2200 block of Pacheco Boulevard. A search of the subject revealed that he was in possession of a controlled substance; he was arrested.

• Officer Ramos contacted a subject in the 3500 block of Pacheco Blvd., obtained consent to search her person and purse. During the search, the subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and she also had a stolen credit card in her purse. She was arrested and booked into MDF

• Officer Miller respond to the bocce ball courts and contacted two suspects after they were on-viewed smoking methamphetamine in/near the bathrooms. Both were arrested for possession of narcotics and being under the influence. One of them was cited and released and the other was transported to MDF for listed charges and a probation violation.

• Officer Leong initiated a traffic stop at Pacheco Blvd. and Arthur Rd. Officer Leong smelled an odor of alcohol emitting from the driver and had him perform FST’s. Based on his performance, Officer Leong arrested the driver for driving under the influence.

• Officer Ramos initiated a traffic stop for no plates at Morello Ave. and Robinsdale. All three occupants were arrested. One was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The second subject was arrested for possession of burglary tools, and the third was arrested for an outstanding warrant. All three were booked into MDF.

• Officer Leong was dispatched to the John Muir Inn for a female causing a disturbance. He contacted the female and discovered she had an outstanding warrant out of Oakland. She was arrested and booked.

• Officer Leong responded to a male that had entered an unsecured building in the 800 block of Castro St. Officer Leong entered the building and saw the subject on the back patio. The subject started to walk away and Officer Leong ordered him to stop several times, but he failed to stop. Officer Leong was able to catch up with the subject at Ward St. and Alhambra Ave. and arrested him for obstructing a public officer. The subject was booked into MDF.

• Officer Baillie was dispatched to the 2400 block of Twinflower Court for someone turning the caller’s door handle. Officer Baillie contacted a subject in the area, and noticed the subject was displaying symptoms of drug intoxication. He was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and booked into MDF.

• Dispatch received a phone call from a resident who lives on Lester Road. The caller stated she received a phone call from a subject who identified themselves as a deputy with the Grand Jury. The subject told her that she failed to show up for jury duty and they needed her to respond to MPD. The caller was concerned someone was trying to get her to leave her home, so that it could be burglarized. Officer Winslett notified the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and was able to confirm that they did not call. It was learned that the phone number the person called from is associated with a scam.

• Officer Vasquez conducted a traffic stop at Pacheco Blvd. and Shell Avenue. He arrested a subject for possession of a controlled substance.

• Officer Voyvodich responded to a home on Orange Street for a neighbor throwing poisoned chocolate over the fence to harm the caller’s dog. The matter is being investigated.

• At 1407 hours, Officer Busciglio located a male subject sleeping in the yard of a residence located in the 1700 block of Alhambra Avenue. He contacted the subject and determined the subject was under the influence of alcohol. The subject was arrested and booked into MDF for being too intoxicated to care for himself.

• At 2046 hrs. officers responded to the 1100 block of Arnold Drive for a report of subjects (male/female) who went through the McDonald’s drive-thru with a firearm on the female driver’s lap. Officers located the vehicle parked near Baskin Robbins. Several commands were given to the occupants of the vehicle, to include with the use of a loudspeaker.The occupants did not respond. Additional tactics to include the use of an audible siren were used to get their attention, which still met with negative results.Using a shield, officers approached the vehicle and found one of the windows was down; both occupants appeared to be sleeping and a firearm was visible on the seat between them. The vehicle doors were unlocked and the occupants were extracted after several more commands went unanswered. The firearm was found to be a replica revolver, possibly just stolen from WalMart, and there was an additional BB gun located in the vehicle – it also resembled a semi-automatic pistol. The female subject was in possession of over 150 Xanax pills and both were under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Both suspects were arrested.

• Sergeant Gaul contacted a male subject at the intersection of Arnold Drive and Old Orchard. The subject was walking in the roadway against traffic. He was uncooperative and initially refused to ID himself. It was determined he was on parole for robbery and said he would not comply with being searched, even though he was required to do so. He was detained, his parole officer was contacted, and he was arrested as well as booked into MDF.

• Officer Vasquez initiated an enforcement stop at the intersection of Shell Avenue and Martinez Avenue. He contacted the passenger who was found to be on probation for the possession of a controlled substance and domestic violence. A search of the passenger revealed .25 grams of heroin. He was arrested.

• Sergeant Gaul located an unoccupied stolen Honda Accord in the 1700 block of Berrellesa Street. Commander Roth and Officer Leong watched the vehicle in an unmarked car and a short time later, the suspect entered the vehicle and drove away. They followed the vehicle to Amtrak where the vehicle stopped and they arrested the driver. The vehicle was reported stolen from the 1000 block of Court Street on a prior date.

• Sergeant Gaul located a stolen Honda Accord entering the parking lot of County hospital. The vehicle was stolen from Walnut Creek on 8/14/2016. He arrested the suspect.

As a reminder, please call us about suspicious activity in your neighborhood. If someone is peering into cars or checking mailboxes, give us a call. Anytime you see anything that seems out of the ordinary, call dispatch so we can send an officer over to check on things. At least we have the opportunity to investigate and potentially prevent a crime.

Chief Manjit Sappal

By MANJIT SAPPAL
Martinez Chief of Police

The last month was fairly busy for the police department in terms of calls for service and response related activities. The community has been instrumental in reporting activity to the police department, which we appreciate.

I wanted to thank the community for putting together the Public Safety Appreciation Day on September 6th. We were joined by the community, elected officials, and public safety personnel from MPD, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and Con-Fire to highlight public service as well as honor those killed in the line of duty.

We also wanted to thank all of our residents who dropped off food this month as a token of their appreciation. We would like to thank the “Lady Posse” that made goodie bags for our officers and we also wish to thank Walmart for dropping off a delicious cake for our staff to show their appreciation!

***

On September 6th we had our flag raising event to honor the life and service of our own Sergeant Paul Starzyk, who was killed in the line of duty, on September 6, 2008. Sergeant Starzyk was shot when he responded to a domestic dispute with an armed suspect. Sergeant Starzyk placed himself in harm’s way to save these individuals when he confronted the suspect. He was immediately fired upon and was critically wounded; however, he was able to return fire and fatally wound the suspect. While he was able to save lives that day, he lost his life, while protecting our community. He is a hero and he was the example of an incredible human being as well as an amazing member of the Martinez Police Department family. He is missed and will never be forgotten.

***

• Officer Breinig attempted to stop a gray Honda at Berrellesa Street and Ward Street for an expired registration. The Honda, occupied by a single white male, fled south on Berrellesa Street to Highway 4, where it proceeded west in the eastbound lanes of the highway. Based on the danger to the public, the pursuit was terminated – the vehicle and suspect are still outstanding.

• Officer Lincoln and Officer Poertner contacted 3 individuals in the area of Pine Street and Mellus Street. Two of the individuals, both Martinez residents, were found to have felony arrest warrants issued for them resulting in their arrests.

• Officers responded to Amtrak for the report of a missing male with mild dementia. The subject and his wife exited the train to catch a bus. The wife went back on the train because she forgot an item. The train left before the wife could get back off and her husband was left on the Amtrak platform. After an extensive area check it was learned that the subject had got on his bus as scheduled and made it to his destination.

• Officers were dispatched to the railroad trestle above Morello Avenue for the report of a subject laying along the tracks. A male subject from Antioch was contacted and determined to be extremely intoxicated, and he is on probation for DUI. He was arrested for violating his probation and public intoxication. He was booked into MDF.

• Sergeant Gaul observed a male smoking methamphetamine while he was on foot patrol at the Bocce courts. The subject was arrested and released from the PD.

• Officer Sanders checked on an occupied suspicious vehicle at Hidden Lakes Park. A large amount of marijuana was observed in plain view on the back seat. A search of the vehicle revealed more marijuana, a scale, packaging supplies, and cash. The occupant was subsequently arrested and booked into MDF.

• Officer Vasquez contacted a male subject in the 1000 block of Vine Street The subject is on probation with a search clause. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, and he was riding a motorcycle with no plates. The VIN returned stolen out of Dublin on 9/1/2016. He was arrested for possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

• Officers were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery on Arreba Street that just occurred. The suspect confronted the victim in front of the residence, displayed a handgun in his waist, and stole a wallet and cell phone. The suspect was a white male adult and fled the area in a tan or brown four door sedan occupied by a white female passenger. The victim was not injured and not very cooperative. Officer Vasquez took the report.

• Officer Poertner was dispatched to a non-injury traffic collision in the intersection of Muir Road and Roman Way. Upon arrival, the officers determined the accident was a head on collision with moderate injuries to both drivers who were transported to the hospital via AMR. One driver was wanted for a $10,000 misdemeanor warrant for hit and run. He was issued a promise to appear prior to transport to the hospital.

• Corporal Mayberry attempted to stop a speeding motorcycle in the area of Vine Avenue and Pacheco Boulevard. The motorcycle fled resulting in a pursuit. The pursuit was terminated in the area of Marina Vista and I-680 when the motorcycle drove south in the northbound lane of I-680, creating a public safety hazard. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol were notified, but were unable to locate the motorcycle or driver. There was no plate obtained. The suspect was a male wearing an orange t-shirt with writing “Support 925” on the back, and the motorcycle was a newer black Harley Davidson with hard luggage.

• Officer Lekse responded to the 2300 block of Minaret Drive to investigate a residential burglary that possibly occurred around 8/30/2016. Computers, jewelry, wallet, and miscellaneous property were stolen. The point of entry is unknown and there are no suspect leads.

• Officers responded to a possible suicidal subject in the 3900 block of Alhambra Avenue. Officers contacted the subject and found she was under the influence of narcotics. Approximately 1.0 gram of powder heroin was located. She was transported via AMR to county hospital for medical treatment and Sergeant Salamid investigated the case.

• Officer Leong was dispatched to the downtown area for a possible burglary at the old Bank of America building. The caller reported a subject using a grinder on a door at that location, but had fled in a green pickup when he saw the caller. Officer Leong stopped the truck in the 1100 block of Escobar Street and contacted the driver. The subject had a grinder on the front seat of the truck. Sgt Muncher confirmed that the subject was attempting to cut the gate that secures the back patio to the bike shop. The suspect was arrested.

• Officer Ramos attempted to make a traffic stop on a blue Honda north bound I-680 and Marina Vista. The driver failed to stop and Officer Ramos initiated a pursuit. The pursuit went from I-680 to I-780 to west bound 80. The driver took the Pomona exit off from I-80 and was travelling too fast to negotiate the turn at the bottom of the off ramp; the vehicle collided with the K rail. The car was found to be an unreported stolen out of Pleasant Hill and had been cold plated (the original license plate was replaced with one from a car that was not reported stolen). The suspect was transported to John Muir Hospital.

• Officer Miller responded to a possible auto burglary in progress at 555 Escobar St. The victim was following the possible suspect. Officer Miller arrested Deandre Sampson and Alysia Romero for the attempted burglary. Sampson was booked into MDF and Romero was booked into Juvenile Hall.

• Officer Tozier responded to residence on Martindale Drive for the report of a robbery. The victim was pulling into her garage when unknown subjects entered her garage, struck her in the face, and took her purse. The victim believes she had been followed from the California Grand Casino, where she had just won a large jackpot. The victim denied medical attention and the case is under investigation.

• Officer Vasquez observed a vehicle traveling 70+ mph northbound Pacheco Boulevard through the intersection of Morello Avenue, running the red light. He stopped the vehicle, arrested the driver for reckless driving, and towed his vehicle.

• Sergeant Salamid was dispatched to Pre Tech Dental Lab, 3517 Alhambra Avenue, for the report of a found sawed off shotgun. The reporting party said a family member observed a subject enter the property and discard a backpack yesterday between 1100-1200. The backpack was later found and discovered the loaded shotgun. No suspect leads.

• Officers responded to several calls of a male wearing shorts and no shirt yelling obscenities at himself in the 500 block of Palm Avenue. Officers arrived and contacted Jeffrey Caldwell – he was arrested by Officer Russell on scene. While he was being transported to MPD, Caldwell began kicking the doors and interior of the patrol vehicle. Officer Russell ultimately took Caldwell directly to MDF to avoid an further incidents of harm or damage.

• Officers responded to 3811 Canyon Way for the report of a male subject with a gun. Additional calls identified that the suspect was at the residence and a physical confrontation erupted, where the suspect brandished a firearm. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect being held down in the rear yard of the residence. A small caliber revolver was removed from McDuffie during the struggle. The firearm was secured by responding officers and found to be unloaded. McDuffie suffered minor injuries during the struggle with the residents. He was transported to MDF and booked for a variety of charges to include brandishing a firearm, trespassing, battery, and the possession of drugs as well as a firearm.

• Officer Lekse conducted a traffic stop at Pine Street and Ulfinian. He arrested two subjects for possession of a controlled substance.

• Officer Lincoln responded to Elderwood Drive where a subject found a firearm in his yard.

• Commander Ghisletta and Commander Roth observed a suspect steal an item from the Starbucks on Main Street. They followed the suspect as he walked out, made contact with him, and arrested him for the theft.

• Officer Lincoln was on patrol in the parking area of 835 Alhambra Ave (Valley Convenient). He saw a subject he knew from prior police contact and was aware the subject had a no bail felony warrant for his arrest – the individual was arrested.

• Sergeant Ferrer responded to a subject causing a disturbance at Behind the Plate restaurant. The subject also got into a physical altercation with an employee. Sergeant Ferrer contacted the subject and arrested him for public intoxication and battery.

***

In reviewing crime statistics we have seen an increase in auto thefts this year. The thefts are taking place all across town. Please consider investing in an anti-theft device, do not leave valuables in your car, and report any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood.

As a reminder, please call us about suspicious activity in your neighborhood. If someone is peering into cars or checking mailboxes, give us a call. Anytime you see anything that seems out of the ordinary, call dispatch so we can send an officer over to check on things. At least we have the opportunity to investigate and potentially prevent a crime if someone is up to no good.

Chief Manjit Sappal

By MANJIT SAPPAL
Martinez Chief of Police

Over the last month we have received several concerns about crime and traffic related issues across the city. In many of the cases we learned that our dispatch center was never called about the activity. It is extremely important that we work together to address problems in our community and one of the first steps is to call us to report crime or concerns. We rely heavily on you to report any concerns, before they turn into bigger problems, so we can respond and take action accordingly. Remember, our dispatch number is staffed 24/7 and the direct number is 925-372-3440.

We are continually working on hiring to bolster our staffing and we recently hired a new officer that previously worked for the City of Stockton. Officer Tatiana Montano was sworn in on October 5, 2016. She has previous experience as a dispatcher with the Concord Police Department and is also bilingual. She is excited to serve the community and we are happy to have her join the MPD family!

On October 7th we hosted a Coffee with Cop event at the Starbucks in Virginia Hills. We had quite a turnout from the community and we enjoyed chatting with folks. The Coffee with a Cop event is designed to allow the police and community to interact in a casual setting and we are fortunate to have a supportive and engaged community – the turnout was amazing!

We also want to thank the Sunridge Terrace Community for inviting us to their neighborhood party – several officers showed up along with K9 Logan to enjoy the festivities. Speaking of K9 Logan – he recently suffered a cut to his nose in a training exercise. Fortunately the injury was not too serious, although he had to get a few stitches. The poor guy will have to wear a cone for a few days, but he should be back to normal soon. As we mentioned in a previous Newsletter, we have a new K9 that recently started working with us (K9 Brute with canine handler Breinig) and our staff is picking up a third canine this month, who will be working with Officer Lincoln.

Two of our officers were recognized at the Employee Appreciation Breakfast recently – Officer Estanol who received a service award for 20 years of service along with Officer Miller, who was recognized for 15 years of service. Congratulations to both of you!

We were recently invited to St. Catherine’s by 6th graders for Mass and several officers attended – thanks for the invitation!

As for recent police activity this month – here are a few highlights:

• Officer Breinig and Officer Brinser responded to Berrellesa St. at Embarcadero St. to investigate a report of a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks. A vehicle was located unoccupied on the tracks just west of the Amtrak station. Officers located and arrested two individuals in the area of the vehicle for being drunk in public. They claimed no knowledge of the vehicle and there were no witnesses that could identify a driver. The vehicle was towed and the two suspects were booked into county jail.

• Officer Mayberry contacted an individual in the 3700 Alhambra Ave. and arrested him for possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was booked and released from the station for the possession of dangerous drugs.

• Officer Buda observed a known individual walking in the 900 block of Howe Rd. It was revealed that the individual wanted for a $35,000 felony warrant for vandalism. He was arrested and booked.

• Officers responded for an alarm at Papa Murphy’s (1155 B Arnold Dr.) for a rear door alarm activation. Officers located the rear door drilled and pried open. An interior latch was still locked and the door would not open. It appeared the unknown suspects were able to slightly pry open the door which activated the alarm, possibly causing them to flee the area prior to PD arrival. The area was searched and no suspects were located. There was no responsible party located for the business to respond. A note was left for the business to contact Ofc. Ramos for information.

• Corporal Mayberry made a traffic stop for expired registration. The driver was cited for driving on a suspended license and the vehicle was impounded. One of the passengers was found to be in possession of two counterfeit $100 bills. She was arrested and booked at MPD.

• A resident reported that a subject was standing in her driveway in the 700 block of Wyoming St. wearing a clown mask. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate anyone outside.

• On October 6th the police department hosted a Coffee with a Cop event at the Starbucks in Virginia Hills. Numerous members of the department attended to i n c l u d e Commander Ghisletta, Sergeant Ferrer, Sergeant Gaul, and Corporal E s t a n o l . Officer Poertner also participated with his canine partner Logan. The event was well attended and Assistant City Manager Anne Cardwell was also present to support the event.

• Officers responded to the 400 block of Arreba St. for a report of a stabbing. Sgt. Salamid arrived and found the suspect at his residence. The victim was located a few blocks away. The two people involved knew each other prior and the assault occurred during an argument. The victim was transported to a hospital and the suspect was booked into MDF. Officer Miller took the case.

• Officer Breinig conducted a traffic stop at Pacheco Blvd. and Plaza Dr. He contacted the driver and noticed that he was displaying symptoms of drug intoxication. Officer Breinig determined that the subject was under the influence of a drug. He was arrested and booked into MDF.

• Ofc. Lekse was dispatched to AHS on a report of a student sending threats to another student. The subjects were contacted and a case was taken.

• Ofc. Miller conducted a proactive stop on a vehicle in the 3700 block of Alhambra Ave. He identified the driver and found she had an outstanding warrant. He arrested her at the scene and released her on a signed promise to appear.

• Ofc. Voyvodich responded to the 600 block of Alhambra Ln. for a female causing a disturbance. He contacted the subject and arrested her for public intoxication. She was booked into MDF.

• Officers were dispatched to Alhambra Ave. and Benham Drive for the report of a vehicle that collided into a tree. The driver was found to be trapped in the car and upon extrication, he was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation revealed that excessive speed was a contributing factor.

• Officers responded to a crash on Castro St. at Mellus St. A vehicle struck a parked car and Officer Russell arrested the driver for driving under the influence. No one was injured and the suspect was booked into county jail.

• MPD officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Ferry St. for a report of man with a rifle. Officers arrived and located the adult male subject in the 400 block. Officers determined that the subject brought an antique BB rifle to sell to an antique dealer. A person in an office building nearby saw the subject walking down the street with what was described as a rifle prompting a tactical response. The reporting party was concerned due to recent active shooting events around the country and was unsure if the weapon was real or not. Officer Lincoln advised the subject with the BB gun to in the future place it in a case to avoid any type of misunderstanding which may result in a tragic event. There was no crime to report.

This incident is noteworthy and we posted the following information on Social Media on October 19, 2016:

With all of the news and social media lately covering active shooter situations coupled with informative posts on how replica firearms and air soft guns could be mistaken for the real thing, MPD officers responded to a similar incident today.

At about 1050 this morning, a caller from a business office in the downtown area reported seeing a man wearing camouflage carrying a rifle while walking down Escobar Street. The caller stated the subject disappeared into a business. Officers tactically responded to the area unsure if the situation could potentially be a robbery, or an active shooter situation about to occur. Shortly after arriving, officers made contact with the subject and detained him for safety reasons.

It was determined the subject wanted to sell the pictured BB gun and commented that he could not believe the police response due to the item simply being a BB gun. Merchants in the area had a similar response in that they didn’t understand why there was such a serious officer response over just a BB gun.

This is a good reminder to everyone that at a distance, and often times up close, citizens and police officers cannot differentiate between actual firearms and replicas. In this case, the item in question was a BB gun, which could still be dangerous, but not an actual firearm. When transporting such items, care should be taken to ensure your appearance doesn’t replicate a scene from a recent tragedy where someone with a weapon was seen in public just before people were shot and killed. While MPD officers are trained to employ safe tactics during any response, we need our community’s cooperation to make sure a tragedy that could have been avoided doesn’t happen in Martinez.

On a final note – we have recently heard of Clown sightings across the country and we recently had two reports of people dressed as clowns in our community. For a personal perspective, my 12 year asked me about the clown sightings recently and the conversation went like this:

Son: Dad, if I see a clown should I call the police?

Me: Just because you see a clown it does not mean that something bad will happen, so no.

Son: What if the clown tries to kidnap me?

Me: Then yes, call the police.

Son: Yeah, but if I wait to call until the clown walks up to me then I will be kidnapped and it will be too late for me to call. Can I call the police if I see a clown before I get kidnapped?

Me: Good point…Well, if you ever see something that makes you scared or worried about your safety you can always call the police. So, if you see a clown or anything else that makes you feel unsafe – you can call the police.

Son: Okay, thanks Dad.

I guess the point of this story is that whether you are young or old, or somewhere in between, if you feel unsafe about something, please call the police. We can always respond to make sure that everyone is safe or confirm that there is no threat to public safety.

In fact, I would recommend that you program our non emergency number into your cell phone. If there is an emergency you can call 911, but for something that is not an emergency, you can always call our non-emergency number at (925) 372-3440. If you have it in your phone it will be easier to retrieve it and since you will not have to take the time to look it up, you may be more apt to calling us right away instead of waiting.

MARTINEZ, Calif. – A man who died Saturday night after his car crashed into a California Highway 4 guard rail has been identified as Jawad Tawasha Jr. of Martinez, California Highway Patrol public information officer Brandon Correia said Tuesday.

Two more people were seriously injured Monday in a single-vehicle accident in which a pickup truck heading north on Cummings Skyway flipped as it slid down an embankment, he said.

Tawasha was going east on Highway 4 east of Alhambra Avenue about 11:10 p.m. Saturday when his 2006 Didge sedan slammed into the center guard rail, Correia said.

At the time of the first reports, only Tawasha’s car was involved, Correia said. “But after colliding with the guard rail, “he careened out to the number one and two lane and came to a rest.”

A 63-year-old Antioch man driving a Honda “came up on it all of a sudden” and struck the Dodge, he said.

Debris littered the highway, so the eastbound lanes were closed for cleanup and to take the Antioch man to Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek, where his moderate injuries were treated, he said.

The older driver did not appear to have been impaired, and no charges were filed immediately, although Correia said his agency is continuing its investigation, and is awaiting the results of Tawasha’s toxicology tests. Whether speed or weather conditions were a factor has not been determined, he said.

However, impaired driving was a factor in Monday’s accident that occurred about 11:10 a.m. on Cummings Skyway between Highway 4 and Crockett Boulevard.

The male driver of a black Dodge 1500 pickup truck lost control and went left. The truck then went down an embankment and rolled over multiple times, Correia said.

When California Highway Patrol and emergency responders arrived, the driver and his woman companion were alert, but were suffering from major injuries, including broken bones. The woman was airlifted by REACH helicopter and the man was taken by ambulance to John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, Correia said.

Cummings Skyway was closed for about an hour while the truck was removed, he said.

Highway Patrol officers determined the man was driving while impaired by alcohol, and placed him under arrest on a charge of driving while intoxicated, Correia said.

Chief Manjit Sappal

By MANJIT SAPPAL
Martinez Chief of Police

As we enter into the winter season we are keenly aware that auto burglaries, auto thefts, and even residential burglaries increase. We get more people visiting shopping centers and consequently, burglars use this to their advantage by breaking into cars. Some of the auto burglaries we have seen involve people leaving valuables in plain view in their cars. We had two auto burglaries this month in which a purse was left visible in one car and a laptop in another. We want to make sure we make it difficult for thieves to get your property, so please do not leave valuables in your car and make sure you lock your doors!

Speaking of residential burglaries, I was reviewing a crime bulletin in a neighboring city and the police department drew an interesting conclusion. They found that many of the homes that were broken into were entered through a rear glass door that was shattered. None of the homes had locks on their side gates that led to the backyard. I think that there is a valuable lesson in their conclusion – lock your side gates. If a burglar has to hop a fence, they may be more inclined to victimize another house as they spend more time being exposed to public view and they are limited in what they can steal as they may have to climb the fence to make their escape.

I was also reading an article recently in which a media station sent a survey to burglars that were incarcerated, asking about how they broke into homes and what they focused on during the theft. There is valuable information, from a crime prevention standpoint, in the article as well as a video on the new story with an interview of a former burglar. You can view this link for more information.

I wanted to share that we recently hired two new employees: Stacy McPherson and Lorraine Hargrave. Stacy was hired as a Police Assistant to work in our Evidence and Property function and Lorraine was hired as a Records Clerk. We welcome them both to the Martinez Police Department!

Our department honored Detective Miles Williamson for his selection as Officer of the Year for 2016! Officer Williamson was hired by MPD in 2009 and he earned a BA in Psychology from California State University East Bay. He is currently a detective and has worked in patrol, serves on our regional SWAT Team, works as a Firearms Instructor, and serves in the capacity of a Field Training Officer. He is highly skilled, enthusiastic, motivated, and has garnered several letters of appreciation from the community for his service. He is well deserving of being selected as the Officer of the Year!

On another positive note, I recently received several letters of appreciation from cub scouts thanking Officer Vasquez for spending time with them. It is always nice to hear positive comments from our younger community and we appreciate the time they took to send something so thoughtful.

As for highlight of police activity:

On November 7, 2016, at 1033 hours, Martinez Police Dispatch received a call of an injury accident at the intersection of Court St. and Main St. The reporting party advised the suspect fled the area in a light blue vehicle. Upon MPD arrival, several Contra Costa County Sheriff Deputies were already on scene and rendering first aid to three injured subjects. In speaking with witnesses, it was determined that the suspect appeared to have intentionally struck three pedestrians in the crosswalk and then fled the area. All three subjects were transported to local hospitals with moderate injuries.

The investigation later revealed that one of the victims left a family court hearing at the Family Law Center (751 Pine St.) just prior to the incident. He was accompanied by two friends and as they were crossing the street, the victim’s estranged wife accelerated her vehicle toward them in the crosswalk. The driver struck all three pedestrians, stopped the vehicle, and reversed striking one of the other victims a second time with her vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Approximately twenty minutes later, the Benicia Police Department received a report of a female that appeared to have jumped from the Benicia Bridge. Martinez PD, Benicia PD, CHP and the United States Coast Guard responded to the area where they located a deceased female under the bridge. A vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle in the hit and run was located on the bridge in the area where the female jumped. It was later learned that the woman who jumped from the bridge was also the driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrians.

• Officers responded to the 900 block of Mellus Street for the report of a male subject refusing to leave. The location is a group home for women and visitors are not allowed. The male subject was trying to see his girlfriend and he became verbally abusive with the facility manager. Officers Poertner and Tozier arrived and contacted the suspect who would not leave upon request and became verbally abusive. In the process of being detained, the suspect lunged toward officers and was taken to the ground where he suffered minor facial abrasions. Sergeant Ferrer responded and deployed the WRAP restraint device; the suspect was arrested without further incident. Further investigation revealed that the suspect arrived to the location in a stolen Honda. The suspect was treated and released from CCRMC prior to being booked into MDF for charges of possession of stolen property, trespassing, making criminal threats, resisting a peace officer, probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being under the influence of narcotics.

• Residents on Brookside Drive called about a male going door-to-door asking for help. We also received calls that the male was running around yelling for help and yelled that people shot at him. Officers arrived and located the individual on the roof of 3400 Brookside Drive (vacant home under remodel). The subject was talked down from the roof and we found that no one chased or shot at him. It was determined that he had a mental disorder and was hallucinating. He was placed on a mental health hold and transported to county hospital by AMR for treatment. This was a great job by officers on scene in talking this individual down from the roof and deescalating the situation!

• Officer Montano responded to a report of a subject who brandished a firearm at another subject while both parties were in separate vehicles. This incident occurred near the intersection of Howe Road and Vista Drive. The victim in this incident was able to provide a license plate and units working the Auto Theft Task force were able to locate and safely conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. Once the alleged suspect was detained, Officer Montano obtained a statement from the alleged suspect that he did not have a gun, but recalled being cut off by the reporting party. Once Officer Montano obtained and compared statements from all parties, the victim became uncooperative and decided not to press charges or provide any further information. No firearm was located in the alleged suspect’s vehicle.

• Officer Carney was dispatched to the 900 block of Roanoke Drive to make contact with the victim of a vehicle theft. A 2008 Ford F350 was stolen, but later recovered on McEwen Rd. All the tools were missing from inside the vehicle.

The tools were, however, recovered later in another vehicle that Officer Leong was involved in a pursuit with. The suspect fled, resulting in a pursuit, but the suspect was able to dump the vehicle and escape prior to capture. While there are no suspect leads at this time, the good news was that the tools were recovered and returned to the victim – this does not happen often and it was great work on the part of Officer Leong!

• Officer Carney was dispatched to the 600 block of Brackman Lane for an incident that occurred on 11/11/16. At about 4:45 p.m., a white male in his 50’s approached two juvenile boys and offered them candy. The boys refused and the suspect asked the boys to come to him. The juveniles then fled to their home. The suspect was associated with a silver Jaguar, but no plate was obtained. A police report was authored on this suspicious circumstance. The kids in this case were smart not to take the candy, to run home, and to report this to the police.

• Officer Russell responded to the 1000 block of Arnold Drive for an auto burglary. While en route, dispatch advised that there were two other victims. An unknown suspect smashed a window of a vehicle and removed property.

• Officer Leong was dispatched to the Senior Center for a possible strong armed robbery (a robbery in which force is used to take property rather than using a weapon). A male walked into the Senior Center and told them that he had just been released from the hospital and wanted to know if he could have a cup of coffee. They told him ‘no’ and the suspect started grabbing food. The victim attempted to stop the suspect; the suspect pushed her and fled with the food. The victim was not injured. Officer Leong contacted the hospital and was able to identify the suspect. The witnesses were able to identify the suspect from a photo line-up. MPD units were unable to locate the suspect, but the investigation is on-going.

• Officer Baillie was dispatched to the area of Warren and Pine for two suspicious persons; one was carrying a television. He contacted the subjects at Bush and Boynton. Officer Baillie obtained consent to search both subjects and found they were in possession of other people’s mail. Both were arrested for the theft.

• Officer Tozier initiated an enforcement stop on Shell Avenue and Martinez Avenue. He arrested a subject who was in possession of 1.5 grams of methamphetamine and .02 grams of heroin. The subject was released from MPD.

• Sergeant Busciglio contacted two suspects seated in a vehicle on Oak Manor Plaza. Neither lived in the area and one was on probation. A search was conducted and 2.0 grams of suspected methamphetamine was located in the vehicle. An owner’s manual and vehicle registration belonging to a different car and person (out of Danville) was located in the vehicle and may have been stolen. One of the subject’s was cite-released at the scene for the possession of methamphetamine and the possible stolen property is under investigation.

• Sergeant Gaul located a stolen utility trailer in the 2700 block of Waterfront. The trailer was reported stolen to Walnut Creek PD on 11/15/2016. There are no suspects. Sergeant Gaul and Officer Vasquez also towed three other vehicles which were not reported stolen, however, they were missing all wheels and engine components.

• Officer Lekse responded to county hospital for a stolen ambulance. The caller reported that the ambulance was taken within the last 30 minutes. The ambulance was located unoccupied in Vallejo by using GPS.

• Officers responded to the report of shots fired in the area of Pacheco Blvd. and Peach Street. (Sheriff’s jurisdiction). MPD units along with Deputies responded to the area and they located bullet casings in the street along with bullet impacts into a residence. MPD units assisted Deputies with scene security and a check of the residence. No one was injured and the residents stated they arrived home just after the shots were fired.

• Officer Lekse observed a subject walking in the 1100 block of Susana St. He was aware the subject was wanted for a $2,500.00 misdemeanor warrant for drug possession. Incident to arrest, he located 1.0 gram of methamphetamine and .5 grams of heroin. The warrant was not cite releasable and he was booked into MDF.

• Officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Main Street for a possible dead body. Officers contacted the subject and found he was not dead, but extremely intoxicated. He was booked into MDF by Officer Poertner.

• Officers were dispatched to Cinco de Mayo for a subject possibly under the influence of drugs who was yelling and disrupting customers. The subject would not speak. He was identified by MDF staff and booked into MDF for drug intoxication.

• Officer Breinig was contacted by a citizen who reported a person was in the plaza in front of City Hall. The subject was contacted and determined to be unable to care for his safety due to his level of intoxication. He was booked into MDF.

• Sergeant Busciglio stopped a subject who had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was booked into MDF.

• Officer Russell responded to Amtrak for a suicidal passenger. Officer Russell placed him on a 72 hr. mental health evaluation hold and he was transported to Contra Costa Regional Medical Center via ambulance.

I wanted to focus this newsletter on the increase in auto thefts we have seen over the last few months. One of the most commonly stolen vehicles has been the Ford F series trucks, both the F-250 and the F-350. It appears that thieves are able to pry open the door locks to gain entry and punch the ignition fairly easily. In some of the newer models, they are able to bypass the computer through the ignition switch to get the car started.

We need help in impacting the thefts with prevention measures. Here are some tips on preventing auto thefts:

Easy tips:
Lock your door
Don’t leave car keys in your car
Close all of your windows and park in a well-lit area
Don’t leave valuables in plain view – this attracts thieves who may very well decide to take the whole car to transport the valuables to another location.
Don’t leave your car running unattended. (even if just momentarily)

Get an alarm – isn’t it annoying when a car alarm is going off? Well, thieves feel the same way. They do not want the attention.

Steering wheel or brake pedal locks – these devices are easy to use and make it more difficult for people to steal your car.

Going beyond the basics tips – vehicle immobilizers can be an excellent way of protecting your vehicle:

Using a fuse cutoff switch.
> Kill switches that cut off fuel or electrical, so the car cannot be started.
> Smart Keys with computer chips that must be present to start the car.
> Starter, ignition, and fuel disablers.
> Adding a tracking system that emits a signal to the police of monitoring service when the vehicle is stolen.

Irrespective of what you drive, think about waking up one morning to find your car stolen! Now, you have no car, you have no idea when you will get it back, if ever, and you have to take time to deal with making a police report as well as working with your insurance company. Taking a few simple steps can make the difference between being a victim or not.

Some of the prevention items listed are easy to do like getting a steering wheel lock or an alarm. Others, such as the fuse cut-offs or starter and ignition disablers are more difficult – they require someone with mechanical know how, but in the end, it may be worth looking into so you don’t find yourself stranded without a car.

Just to give you an idea of what happens when you call the police after your car is stolen, here is a brief outline:

An officer will respond to document the theft. Once we obtain your license plate or VIN we put the information into the Statewide Stolen Vehicle System (SVS). In the event an officer stops a car or checks the license plate, the officer will be alerted that the car is stolen. The officers will stop the car and it is fairly common for suspects to flee resulting in a pursuit. We always balance the need to pursue against the danger it creates to the public and if a suspect is driving with disregard for public safety, we may be forced to terminate the pursuit. If they stop, then we investigate and arrest for the possession of stolen property or auto theft, depending on the circumstances.
When a car is recovered from being stolen, you will be notified.

The chances of seeing a car thief in action is rare. In fact, you can check the World Wide Web for information and videos of people that steal cars and based on their level of expertise, unless you know exactly what to watch for, you cannot tell they are stealing a car. It is common for people to use shaved keys (keys that have been filed down to work in the ignition of certain vehicles) and it is not readily apparent they are getting into a car that does not belong to them.

The important thing to remember is that most suspects are looking for the least risk with the greatest reward, so they will not break into a car that may take too much time and effort. Any measures that you can take to prevent the theft can go a long way to protecting your property. It is also extremely important to make sure that you call about any suspicious people or cars in your neighborhood. Many auto thieves are coming into Martinez from other cities and they will drive around neighborhoods looking for cars to steal. If you see a car driving through the neighborhood that you do not recognize or it is driving slowly and appears to be eyeing cars or homes, call our Dispatch Center at 925-372-3414. Get a description of the car, a license plate if possible, any description of the occupants, the direction they are traveling, and what actions they were involved in that appear suspicious or criminal.

Please pass this information along to your neighbors, friends, and community – let’s work together to keep our community safe! Don’t forget to call our Dispatch Center (925-372-3440) in the event you see any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood.

As for a snapshot of monthly activity this month, here are a few highlights:
• Officer Carney took a stolen vehicle report that occurred in the 1700 block of Center Ave. The vehicle was a 1968 Gray GMC Sierra.
• Officer Montano responded to the 500 block of Center Avenue for a petty theft that just occurred. The suspect was last seen near the John Muir Inn. Officer Montano located the suspect and arrested him for the theft. He was cited and released at the scene.
• Officer Lekse responded to Walgreens for a theft that just occurred. The suspect fled in a green 4 door sedan south on Alhambra Ave. Officer Montano saw the car just south of Hwy 4 and attempted to catch up with the car. She lost sight of the car at Taylor Blvd. and Alhambra Ave. The theft was of electronics.
• Officer Tozier located a 1992 Toyota Corolla at the transit station (Blum and Pacheco) that was reported stolen to Bart PD (Pittsburg Station). The owner was contacted and they responded to take possession on the vehicle. No evidence was located.
• Officer Lekse contacted a subject in the Home Depot parking lot and found them in possession of approximately 5 grams of heroin. The subject was cited and released from the scene.
• Corporal Mayberry observed a wanted female subject walking in the 700 block of Main Street. The subject had two (2) outstanding warrants and was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
• A resident called and reported he saw a female in his secured vehicle parked in the 700 block of Shell Ave. The female fled on foot and he followed her to Shell Ave. at Martinez Ave. Officers arrived on scene and ultimately arrested the female subject. She was arrested for a warrant and attempted vehicle theft. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
• Pittsburg PD requested assistance to locate a suicidal subject possibly in our city. The subject was involved in some type of domestic disturbance at his residence. During the dispute, he placed a handgun to his head and threatened to kill himself. He fled the residence in his vehicle and several hours later, Pittsburg PD advised his cellphone “pinged” in the 900 block of Howe Rd. Ofc. Montano located the vehicle driving in the 700 block of Arnold Dr. While waiting for back up, the subject drove into the Walmart shopping center parking lot. Officers conducted a high risk stop, but the subject refused to exit his vehicle. The stop progressed into standoff with an armed barricaded subject. Dispatch was instructed to call Walmart and Home Depot and have the stores locked down. Dispatch was also instructed to contact the Patrol Commander for a possible tactical call out and response. Ofc. Montano negotiated with the subject for approximately 5 minutes and he agreed to exit the vehicle. He was detained without incident and placed on a 72-hour evaluation hold. The gun was not located on the person or in the vehicle. Outstanding work by all personnel.
• Officer Lekse responded to the Franklin Canyon Park and Ride for an auto burglary. The vehicle had been burglarized and point of entry was a window smash resulting in the loss of a purse.
• Ofc. Sanders responded to the John Muir Inn for a possible carjacking. Ofc. Sanders learned that the victim was driving the suspect’s car and the suspect became upset with victim. The suspect pointed a gun at the victim’s head and told him to get out of the car. The suspect got in the driver’s seat and fled the area.
• Ofc. Voyvodich contacted a subject passed out at the bus stop at the corner of Alhambra Ave. and F Street. Ofc. Voyvodich determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety and was not suitable to be booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. The subject was transported to the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center for extreme intoxication.
• Ofc. Ramos contacted an intoxicated female in the 600 block of Castro St. Ofc. Ramos determined the subject was too intoxicated to be booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. She was transported to the Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) by ambulance.
• Ofc. Leong responded to Amtrak for a subject causing a disturbance. He contacted the subject who had a felony warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
• Sgt. Salamid contacted a subject who was yelling and panhandling at the Amtrak Station. The subject was recently released from county hospital. Amtrak personnel purchased the subject a train ticket to Fairfield. Sgt. Salamid left the area and the subject remained at Amtrak. Approximately 5 minutes later, officers were again dispatched to the Amtrak because the subject was involved in a physical fight with another Amtrak patron. The subject was contacted again and ultimately arrested for Battery. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
• Ofc. Carney was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Alhambra Hills Dr. for a report of mail theft that was witnessed by a local resident. There is video surveillance of the theft, but no suspect identification could be made. The involved vehicle was a small silver sport utility.
• Ofc. Sanders contacted a subject known to him in the area of 1111 Ferry St. A search of the subject revealed methamphetamine and burglary tools. The subject was transported to MPD where he was booked and released.
• Ofc. Poertner was dispatched to the parking lot of Home Depot for a report of a white male adult yelling and running toward cars in the lot. Ofc. Poertner contacted a known subject, who also matched the description provided by the reporting party. Ofc. Poertner determined the subject was intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility without incident.
• Officers were dispatched to Tower Mart, 3012 Howe Rd. for a suspicious vehicle. A passenger inside the vehicle was found to have two felony warrants. There was a no bail warrant for burglary out of San Francisco County and a no bail warrant for violating probation out of San Mateo County. She was arrested and booked into MDF.
• Sergeant Gaul observed a subject driving near the area of Pacheco Blvd. and Blum Rd. He had prior knowledge the subject was wanted for a felony, $60,000.00 warrant for drug possession. When Sergeant Gaul began to follow the him, he sped away at a high rate of speed. Sergeant Gaul pursued the vehicle into Concord and the pursuit concluded when the subject was involved in a solo traffic collision. Also in the vehicle was a female who Sergeant Gaul knew had a $60,000.00 warrant for drugs, as well. She was arrested without incident. Both were booked into MDF.
• Officer Voyvodich received a LoJack hit to his patrol car. LoJack is a tracking system that can be purchased by a vehicle owner that notifies the police where the stolen car is. Officer Voyvodich used the system to track a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe to the 2100 block of Northwood Dr. in Concord. The vehicle was reported stolen to Antioch PD today. He arrested the subject without incident and booked him into MDF for possession of stolen property.
• Dispatch advised patrol that Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office (CCCSO) was in pursuit of a vehicle near Kaiser. Deputies were pursuing the driver and they had knowledge he was on probation and was in possession of a firearm. Officers responded and the vehicle was found abandoned in the 1500 block of Ashwood Dr. Officer Lincoln and K9 Jago tracked to the 1600 block of Ashwood Dr. and located the subject. No firearm was found.
• Ofc. Voyvodich reported moderate flooding at the Martinez Marina. King Tide was expected at 11:06 am. Corp yard was contacted and barricades and signs were placed.
• Officers and Corp. Yard responding to various locations regarding flooding, mud, and trees that had fallen during a series of major storms in the area.
• Sgt. Salamid was on foot in the 700 block of Main St. when he saw a female defecating in a parking area. Sgt. Salamid contacted and cited her for misdemeanor 372 PC (Public Nuisance) after she cleaned up the feces.
• Officers were dispatched to Highland Ave. for a report of a male subject with a knife. Ofc. Ramos and Sgt. Salamid arrived and contacted the male who was displaying pronounced signs of methamphetamine use. Ofc. Ramos subsequently arrested him for 11550(a) H&S (Under the influence of Controlled Substance) and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
• Ofc. Winslett was dispatched to a major injury accident at the intersection of Midhill @ Heavenly Dr. The accident was between a motorcycle and a pickup truck. The motorcyclist injured his left arm and sustained possible back injuries. He was transported to a local hospital.
• A resident reported an unoccupied black Isuzu Rodeo parked with a smashed window. Ofc. Brinser responded and his investigation found the vehicle was reported stolen out of Pleasant Hill on 01/11/17. There is no evidence or suspect leads at this time.
• Amtrak reported a disturbance in the station. Officers responded and contacted the subject creating the disturbance. The subject was wanted by parole and was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for parole warrant.
• Ofc. Sanders responded to Whiskey Lane for a subject causing a disturbance. He contacted the subject and determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. The subject was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
• Ofc. Leong responded to the 1400 block of Willow Street for a verbal altercation between mother and son. As Ofc. Leong arrived on scene he saw the son break the windshield of his mother’s car with a rock. The son was arrested and booked into MDF for 594 PC (Vandalism).
• MPD officers were advised of a 2003 Ford F350 that was just stolen from the 600 block of Bertola St. Officer Sanders located the truck getting on to westbound 4 from Alhambra Ave. Officer Poertner was able to catch up with Officer Sand¬ers just as they encountered a heavy down pour. Officer Poertner’s unit started to hydroplane and he lost control of the vehicle and hit the “K” rail just west of Franklin Canyon and the unit left the highway. Officer Poertner and Logan were uninjured and the car suffered minor damage (CHP took a report on the collision). Officer Sanders followed the truck onto westbound 80 and the driver drove down the on-ramp (the wrong way) at San Pablo Road and Officer Sanders lost site of the truck. MPD units were never in pursuit and Officer Sanders was following the truck at free-way speeds.
• Officer Sanders responded to a residence in the 200 block of Tuolume Ave. for an altercation between a male and female. Upon his arrival, the male had left the residence and the female stated her ex-boyfriend slapped her several times. MPD units conducted an area check for a male, but were unable to locate him.
• Officers responded to the 1100 block of Pine St. regarding a couple that was walking when the female’s brother approached them from behind and attacked his sister’s boyfriend with a knife. He then fled the area. The male was cut two or three times on his left arm and left shoulder. He was transported to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released. An area check was conducted for the suspect, but officers were met with negative results. Investigation continuing.
• Ofc. Russell was dispatched to 855 Howe Rd. (M&S Landscaping) for the report of a commercial burglary that occurred sometime during the night, resulting in several thousand dollars in landscaping equipment being stolen. Additionally, two (2) Ford F250 pickup trucks were stolen. The trucks had M&S decals printed on them. There is no suspect information at this time. Both vehicles were entered into the Stolen Vehicle System.
• Ofc. Miller was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Howe Rd. for the report of a commercial burglary. Ofc. Miller determined two (2) commercial vehicles had been tampered with but no property was taken. There is no suspect information at this time.