Sep
3
SHOOTING ON THE EASTSIDE: 16-year-old Male Shot in the Arm
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SANTA BARBARA, CA–9/2/2010–This morning at 1:53 a.m., Santa Barbara Police Dispatch received several calls of gunshots heard in the area of the lower Eastside. Minutes later, a 16-year-old male called on his cell phone to report being shot in the arm. Police found the victim walking near the corner of Canada and Cacique Streets. He was transported to Cottage Hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to his arm.
Detectives are investigating the circumstances leading up to this incident. The neighborhoods have been canvassed for witnesses, evidence, and leads. It has not yet been determined whether this incident was gang related. More information will be released when available.
Aug
27
SANTA BARBARA, CA–08/27/2010–Since the last DUI Round Up was issued on 8/19, Santa Barbara Police Officers have arrested 14 more drivers for DUI. 4 of these incidents involved a traffic collision.
On 8/18 at 10:21 p.m., Officer Beutel, who works DUI enforcement, assisted Officer Montag on a traffic collision at Alamar and De La Vina Streets. Christopher Robert Andrs, age 28 had been driving a 1999 Oldsmobile sedan when he rear-ended a 2006 Ford Focus driven by a 62 year old woman. Officer Beutel arrested Andrs for DUI and obtained a blood sample for analysis.
On 8/18 at 10:35 p.m., Officer Beutel assisted Officer Hettema on a traffic collision at 1400 Coast Village Road. Judith Ann Rehfeld, age 59 had crashed her 1998 Chevy Malibu into a tree while negotiating a parking space. Officer Beutel arrested Rehfeld for DUI and suspended license. Rehfeld provided a breath sample of .10 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC.)
On 8/19 at 12:35 a.m., Officer Beutel assisted Officer Hettema on a traffic collision at Carrillo and Chapala Street. A 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Erik Espinoza, age 21 had rear-ended a 2004 Dodge Neon driven by a 22 year old man. Officer Beutel arrested Espinoza for DUI and obtained a blood sample for analysis. There was one passenger in his vehicle, and three in the vehicle that was rear-ended.
On 8/20 at 1:21 a.m., Officer Beutel stopped Israel Chavez Lozano, age 32, in his 2010 VW 4-door, at 1100 Chapala Street for weaving and for straddling the traffic line for almost an entire block. Lozano was arrested for DUI; he provided a breath sample of .13 BAC. There was one passenger.
On 8/21 at 3:26 a.m., Officer Gaston stopped a red Daewoo at 500 Anacapa Street for driving without
lights. He contacted the driver, Sylvain Akim Boukera, age 24, who appeared very intoxicated. Earlier that evening, Officer Gaston had contacted Boukera because he was stumbling and falling down. Boukera conveyed that he was waiting for a ride. Little did Officer Gaston know that Boukera was going to provide his own ride. Officer Beutel arrived to assist and arrested Boukera for DUI; he provided a blood sample for analysis.
On 8/22 at 12:40 a.m., Officer Beutel stopped Romario R. Bolvito, age 24, in his 1994 Mitsubishi, at 1100 San Andres Street, for speeding, weaving, and for driving over the center line. Bolvito was arrested for DUI and unlicensed driver; he provided a breath sample of .15 BAC.
On 8/22 at 12:40 a.m., Officer Gaston stopped Peter G. Ryan, age 54, in his 2001 Acura Integra at 800 Santa Barbara Street for expired registration. Officer Beutel arrived to assist and arrested Ryan for DUI. He provided a breath sample of .09 BAC.
On 8/23 at 12:30 a.m., Officer Klug stopped Kyle Patrick Sawyer, age 20, in his Volvo Sedan for making an unsafe turn on Cliff Drive at Santa Cruz Blvd. Sawyer was arrested for DUI prescription medications (central nervous system depressants) in combination with marijuana. Sawyer provided a urine sample for analysis. There was one passenger in the vehicle.
On 8/25 at 1:18 a.m., Officer Klug stopped Juan Arturo Valdivia, age 23, in his 2007 Nissan 350Z, at 1200 San Andres Street for failure to stop at the limit line at two stop signs. Valdivia was arrested for DUI.
On 8/25 at 10:24 p.m., Officer Rauch stopped Jillian Denice Babcock, age 28, in her 2000 Mercedes, at 400 State Street for driving without lights. Officer Beutel conducted an investigation and arrested Babcock for DUI. Babcock provided a breath sample of .12 BAC. There was one passenger in the vehicle.
On 8/25 at 11:53 p.m., Officer Hettema stopped Joshua David Reed, age 31, in his 1993 Ford pick-up, at 1100 N. Nopal Street for running a stop sign at 30 mph. Officer Beutel arrived to assist and arrested Reed for DUI. He provided a breath sample of .12 BAC. Like most other DUI arrestees, in lieu of being booked at jail Reed?s vehicle was towed and he received a citation. He was allowed to contact a sober friend to pick him up, with emphasis that it be someone who was not drinking.
On 8/26 at 1:00 a.m., Logan Gregory Campbell, age 23 arrived at Officer Beutel?s location at 1100 N. Nopal Street, in his 1999 Toyota truck to pick up his friend Joshua Reed, who was just cited for DUI. Officer Beutel contacted Campbell and noticed symptoms of alcohol consumption. Officer Beutel arrested Campbell for DUI. He provided a breath sample of .09 BAC.
On 8/26 at 2:40 a.m., Officer Ahrens stopped a 2009 Hyundai at 400 Chapala Street because he saw a passenger drinking a beer. Inside the vehicle were several opened and unopened cans of beer. Officer Beutel arrived to assist and arrested the driver, Carl Wilhelm Brolin, age 28 for DUI. He provided a breath sample of .20 BAC.
On 8/26 at 3:56 p.m., Officer Corbett responded to Ruth Avenue on a call of an off-duty CHP officer contacting a suspect in a hit-and-run collision. Officer Corbett found the off-duty CHP officer with Carmella Rose Giambo, age 21, seated in her Mercedes C280. The CHP Officer witnessed Giambo sideswipe a parked Dodge Neon at Calle Real and Pueblo Street. He followed her vehicle to Ruth Avenue. Officers located the victim vehicle: Both it and the suspect vehicle sustained broken side view mirrors. Officer Corbett arrested Giambo for DUI, hit-and-run, and no insurance. Giambo provided a blood sample for analysis.
Aug
26
FIVE CAR PILE-UP ON CABRILLO BLVD: Cadillac Driver Dozed Off
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SANTA BARBARA, CA–August 24th, 2010–Santa Barbara Police are investigating yet another serious traffic collision today; this one on Cabrillo Blvd. At 1:13 p.m., Police Dispatch received multiple calls of a rollover traffic collision at 800 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Responding officers encountered a five-car pile-up directly across the street from the Doubletree Hotel. The investigation determined the following circumstances:
A Cadillac Escalade SUV was driving eastbound in normal traffic conditions. The driver reported that he dozed off while behind the wheel. The Cadillac drifted to the right and sideswiped a parked Mercedes Sedan. The Cadillac glanced off and smashed into the rear of a parked Jeep Cherokee that held two male occupants. The impact caused the Jeep to rear-end a parked Volkswagen and jack-knife up onto the sidewalk. The Volkswagen then rear-ended a parked Honda minivan. The multiple impacts spun the Cadillac 180 degrees and flipped it over onto its rooftop. It came to rest upside down, facing westbound, in the two eastbound lanes of Cabrillo Blvd. The Cadillac, Jeep Cherokee, and Volkswagen are considered completely totaled. The Mercedes sustained moderate damage and the Honda minor damage. This incident was witnessed by many drivers and pedestrians.
The driver of the Cadillac and the two occupants in the parked Jeep Cherokee are being treated at Cottage Hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening. Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be a factor in this incident.
Aug
26
INJURY COLLISION DOWNTOWN: Elderly Man Runs Red Light, Hits Pedestrian
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SANTA BARBARA, CA–August 24th, 2010–Santa Barbara Police are investigating a traffic collision that occurred this morning at State and Anapamu Streets. At 8:46 a.m., Police Dispatch received about twenty 9-1-1 phone calls reporting the collision: A mini-van had jumped the curb and pinned a 69-year-old woman pedestrian who uses a walker for assistance.
The circumstances were pieced together by witnesses, physical evidence and are as follows: A 90-year-old man was driving his 1995 Plymouth Voyager minivan south on State Street, approaching Anapamu Street. He ran the red light at Anapamu Street and hit a 41-year-old woman driving westbound on Anapamu Street in her Ford Freestyle. The collision caused the minivan to veer to the Southwest Corner of the intersection. It jumped the curb and scraped along the side of the Old Navy Store at 1137 State Street. A male pedestrian found himself in the path and dove for safety. This witness left the scene before police arrived and has not been identified. Meanwhile, the female pedestrian who uses the walker was walking up State Street. She saw the minivan careening toward her. She sat down on the seat of the walker and desperately tried to backpedal to safety. The minivan hit her, knocked her out of her seat, and came to rest literally right above her. She was conscious at the scene and transported to Cottage hospital for treatment. Her injuries are unknown but are not believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the minivan was also transported to Cottage Hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. The primary collision factor appears to be the driver of the Plymouth minivan running the red light. Police ordered the driver of the minivan to complete a priority driver’s reevaluation test through DMV.
Aug
20
SANTA BARBARA, CA–August 18th, 2010–Santa Barbara Police Officers have not slowed their DUI enforcement this Summer. 32 more drivers were arrested for DUI in the past 32 days.
On 7/17 at 5:48 a.m., Officer Little stopped Jordan Gantes, age 21, in his white Honda, for speeding through the intersection of State and Micheltorena Street. Gantes was arrested for DUI. He provided a breath test of .14 Blood Alcohol Level, (BAC.)
On 7/17 at 6:44 p.m., Officer B. Larson responded to a hit-and-run collision in the Harbor parking lot. The suspect vehicle was described as a blue Mercury Villager van being followed by Harbor Patrol. Officer B. Larson located the vehicle driving up Castillo Street. It turned onto Haley Street and parked in a parking lot at 200 W. Haley Street. Detective LaTorre arrived to assist and arrested the driver, Melvin Wayne Cherry, age 51 for DUI and hit-and-run. He is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, possibly combined with the medication Temazepam. Cherry provided a blood sample for analysis.
On 7/17 at 9:11 p.m., a citizen called police concerning a possible DUI driver at Calle Noguera and Calle Alamo. Sgt. Ensign and Detective LaTorre arrived to find Kristine Keithan SanFilippo, age 57, seated in her 2007 Honda, stopped in the traffic lane. The citizen RP described seeing SanFilippo parked in the street for several minutes. He asked if she needed help. SanFillippo drove her car a short distance, but stopped in the traffic lane. San Filippo appeared impaired, but refused several times to relinquish her keys or obtain assistance. The citizen called police to remedy the situation. SanFilippo was arrested for DUI; she provided a blood sample for analysis.
On 7/21 at 8:30 a.m., a citizen called to report a chronic DUI driver at a residence located in the 3800 block of La Cumbre Hills Road. The citizen had witnessed an argument between a man and a woman, where the woman told him not to drive because he was a drug addict. The citizen had previously seen the man unintentionally drive over his lawn and hit objects in the street. The citizen saw the man drive away in his 1994 Ford Taurus and return 20 minutes later. Officer Kerr made a records check which determined that the suspected DUI driver, Michael John Zaharias, age 43, had a suspended license. He contacted Zaharias who admitted driving. Zaharias appeared impaired and was arrested for DUI: combination of alcohol and prescription medication. A blood sample was obtained for analysis.
On 7/21 at 8:10 p.m., Officer Klug was on patrol when he saw a grey Mazda 3 turn from Cliff Drive to Meigs Road. The Mazda drifted half-way across the double yellow lines. Officer Klug followed the Mazda up and over Meigs Road to Carrillo Street. The Mazda swerved from the center line to the bike lane numerous times. Officer Klug stopped the Mazda at 900 San Andres Street and contacted the driver, Bronson Paiea Miner, age 28. Miner was arrested for DUI. He provided a breath sample of .13 BAC. There were two passengers.
On 7/22 at 1:17 a.m., Officer Hettema stopped Caroline Frances Tremont, age 39, in her Jeep Cherokee for a stop-sign violation. Inside the vehicle was her 2-year-old child, plus a crack pipe. Tremont was arrested for DUI drugs, possession of the crack pipe, child endangering, and resisting arrest. She provided a blood sample for analysis. There were two adult passengers in the vehicle. Child Welfare Services took custody of the child. This incident was previously released to the media.
On 7/24 at 4:14 p.m., police handled a fatal traffic collision on Sycamore Canyon Road. Isabel Tole Renosa, age 41 was killed when she fell from the hood of a 1994 Mercury Marquis driven by her friend Dennis Wayne Gibbons, age 53. Gibbons was arrested for vehicular manslaughter, and felony DUI of illegal drugs causing injury or death. A blood sample was obtained for analysis. The circumstances of this incident have already been released to the media.
On 7/26 at 12:55 a.m., Officers Eccles and Keller were on patrol near the 7-11 Store at 331 W. Montecito Street. A 2001 Toyota pick-up parked in the lot and two men went into the store. The officers noticed the truck was parked unattended with the engine running and windows wide open. When the men returned, the officers intended to remind them about auto-theft safety. Instead, the driver avoided eye contact, and appeared to stumble as he returned to his truck. The officers conducted an investigation and arrested: Matthew Landon Hess, age 30 for DUI and no insurance. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, possibly in combination with Klonopin. A blood sample was obtained for analysis.
On 7/26 at 9:40 a.m., Sgt. Jan and Officer Tudor responded to a hit-and-run collision at 900 San Pascual. A 1998 Honda had side-swiped two parked vehicles before fleeing down San Pascual. Sgt. Jan located Ronald Edward Smith, age 40, next to his disabled Honda parked at 800 San Pascual. In addition to hitting parked cars, the Honda struck the curb hard enough to bend the rim and flatten both right side tires. Smith told police he took Norco and Xanax medication, plus an alcoholic drink. Officer Tudor arrested Smith for DUI and hit-and-run. A blood sample was obtained for analysis.
On 7/27 at 12:20 a.m., Officer Klug stopped Brian Timothy Janson, age 57, in his 2001 Toyota Tacoma pick-up, at 1600 Payeras, for making a sudden and unsafe turn from Cliff Drive to Salida Del Sol. Janson was arrested for DUI. He provided a breath sample of .17 BAC.
On 7/28 at 8:10 p.m., Officers Klug and Burgard responded to the 1200 block of Plaza Del Monte on a traffic collision. Randy Scott Ramirez, age22 had crashed his 1984 Mercedes sedan into a parked 1997 Subaru. Both vehicles sustained major damage. Ramirez was arrested for DUI. A blood sample was obtained for analysis. There was one passenger.
On 7/30 at 11:25 p.m., Officer Bacon responded to the A.M. / P.M. Store at State and Ontare on a call of a possible DUI driver. A citizen reported a woman walk from her gold Acura inside the store. Officer Bacon found the gold Acura at the gas pump and contacted the driver, Alexa Nichole Ellenberger, age 22. She was arrested for DUI and provided a blood sample for analysis. She is suspected of DUI prescription medications.
On 8/1 at 12:10 a.m., Officer Beutel, who works DUI enforcement, responded to Indio Muerto at Soledad
Street on a call of a traffic collision. The reporting party, who drives a taxi, saw the suspect vehicle crash into a parked truck. The driver appeared to be very intoxicated. When the Taxi driver approached, the suspect fled on foot, leaving a small child in the abandoned car. Minutes later the suspect came back, took the child, and again fled. Officer Beutel arrived and saw Bernardo Benitez Soriano, age 30 walking in the area. The taxi driver identified Soriano as the driver. Officer Beutel determined that before the collision, Soriano had been at a party on nearby Punta Gorda Street. Party-goers tried convincing him to not drive because he appeared so intoxicated. Soriano insisted he would be OK, since he only lived a few blocks away. Soriano made it less than two blocks before crashing. After the collision, Soriano took his child home. The child was confirmed to be uninjured. Soriano was arrested for DUI, child endangerment, and unlicensed driver. He provided a breath test of .20 BAC.
On 8/4 at 8:08 p.m., Officers Beutel and Cipres responded to the Smart and Final Store at 200 E. Gutierrez Street: A citizen?s called to report an impaired driver who parked and ?stumbled? into the store. The officers found the suspect vehicle parked unattended with a still-warm hood. Officer Cipres remained by the car and Officer Beutel checked inside the store. Based on the driver description she contacted Marciano Rios Torres, age 50. He admitted being the driver and appeared intoxicated. The witness identified Torres as the driver. Torres provided a false name, but his true identity was determined. Torres was arrested for felony DUI because he had three prior DUI convictions within 10 years; driving on a suspended license, no insurance, violation of probation stemming a prior DUI conviction, and for providing a false name. He provided a breath test of .13 BAC.
On 8/4 at 8:35 p.m., Officer Klug stopped Edward Camacho, age 46, in his 2001 Toyota for running a stop sign at Bath and Cota Streets. Camacho was arrested for DUI. He provided a blood sample for analysis.
On 8/4 at 8:45 p.m., Officer Colato stopped Michael Anthony Ahedo, age 20, in his 2010 Chevy Camaro, at 1st W. Cota Street for excessive noise: clearly audible beyond 50 feet. The smell of burnt marijuana was clearly noticeable from the vehicle?s interior. In Ahedo?s possession was marijuana packaged in paper, a Meth pipe, and an ice-pick stabbing weapon. Officer Beutel arrived and handed the DUI investigation. Ahedo was arrested for DUI, possession of marijuana while driving, possession of the Meth pipe, and possession of an illegal weapon. A blood sample was obtained for analysis.
On 8/5 at 12:52 a.m., Officer Klug stopped Yvonne Wez Erwin, age 48, at 1700 Cliff Drive, in a 2002 Volvo station wagon for a minor equipment violation. Erwin was arrested for DUI. She provided a breath test of .14 BAC.
On 8/5 at 1:51 a.m., Officer Beutel stopped Jonathan Michael Proctor, age 30, in his 2006 Ford Fusion, at 300 Motor Way, for unsafe turn and driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Proctor was arrested for DUI. He provided a breath test of .13 B.A. There was a passenger in his vehicle.
On 8/5 at 1:25 p.m., Detective Ingram and Officer Radujko responded to 1200 Chapala Street on a call of traffic collision. Diana Lorraine Dwerlkotte, age 46, was driving her 1991 Ford Mustang when she rear ended a 2010 Acura stopped in traffic. Dwerlkotte was arrested for DUI. She provided a breath test of .27 BAC.
On 8/6 at 12:10 a.m., Officer Kattai saw a 1999 Toyota Rav run the red light at State and Gutierrez Street. The vehicle veered into the bicycle lane for 30 feet, and then disregarded the police car?s red lights and siren ?chirps? for three more blocks. The vehicle yielded at 1st W. Cabrillo Blvd. Officer Beutel arrived to assist. The driver, Rebecca Lynn Saraceno, age 22 was arrested for DUI. A blood sample was obtained for analysis.
On 8/6 at 1:10 a.m., Officer Eccles was patrolling at Hwy 101 N/B at Mission when he saw a black 1995 Lexus tailgating another vehicle while driving 75 MPH. The Lexus passed the other vehicle with abrupt lane changes, and then sped up to 80 MPH. Officer Eccles stopped Christian Joyal DelRivo for speeding. DelRivo was arrested for DUI and no proof of insurance. He provided a breath test of .16 BAC. There were two passengers in the vehicle.
On 8/6 at 1:45 a.m., Office Klug stopped Alejandro Martinez, age 23, in his 2005 Acura, at 900 Chapala Street for having a brake light out. Martinez was arrested for DUI. He provided a blood sample for analysis. There was one passenger in the vehicle.
On 8/6 at 2:50 a.m., Traffic Sgt. Rivas saw a blue Ford Probe make an unusually wide turn from Bath Street to Carrillo Street and from Carrillo to northbound Hwy 101. Three times the vehicle accelerated to 80 MPH, and then slowed to 55 MPH. Officer Rivas stopped the vehicle on the freeway and contacted the driver, Lazarus McVey Dirk, age 27. Officer Klug arrived to assist and arrested Dirk for DUI. A blood sample was obtained for analysis.
On 8/6 at 9:22 p.m. a 21-year-old woman was walking at 1st W. Ortega Street, crossing the street from the north sidewalk to the south. The streets were full of people celebrating Fiesta. Meanwhile, a 94 Ford pick-up was traveling eastbound on Ortega Street, approaching the woman. The Ford pick-up struck the woman on her right hip area. The woman spun around, and completed a full somersault before landing in the street. The Ford pick-up slowed, paused, and then quickly drove away. The collision was witnessed by employees of the Wildcat nightclub, at 15 W. Ortega Street. They checked on the woman and called 9-1-1 for medical aid. Other employees ran after the Ford pick-up, which turned south on State Street. The employees chased the Ford down State Street, to westbound on Cota Street. They contacted the driver as he parked on Cota near Chapala Street and started walking away. Police arrived and arrested the driver, Jorge Landin Pantoja, age 34. Officer Beutel handled the DUI investigation: Pantoja was arrested for felony DUI causing injury, felony hit-and-run, and being an unlicensed driver. The woman was treated at Cottage Hospital for bruises, scrapes, and complaint of pain. Pantoja provided a blood sample for analysis.
On 8/6 at 11:20 p.m., Officer Klug stopped Craig Andrew Christy, age 36, in his 2005 Subaru WRX, on Haley Street for the right-of-way violation of making a left turn in front on on-coming traffic. Christy was arrested for DUI and for no proof of insurance. He provided a breath test of .08 BAC.
On 8/7 at 12:15 a.m., Officer Ragsdale stopped a 1994 Jeep SUV driving down lower State Street at an estimated 50 MPH in a 30 MPH zone. He contacted the driver, Ricardo Abonce, age 22. Abonce said he was driving aggressively because he was angry over an argument with his girlfriend, who was the passenger. Officer Beutel arrived to assist and arrested Abonce for DUI. Abonce provided a breath sample of .13 BAC.
On 8/7 at 12:24 a.m., Officer Payne was on bicycle patrol at City Lot 12, at 1st W. Gutierrez Street. He saw a silver Cadillac drive the wrong way on 1st W. Gutierrez Street, and then turn the wrong way on Motor Way. He stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, Eric Ixta, age 20. Ixta smelled strongly of marijuana. Officer Beutel arrived to assist and arrested Ixta for DUI Marijuana. Ixta provided a urine sample for analysis. There were two passengers.
On 8/7 at 10:36 p.m., Officers Beutel and Montag responded to a vehicle collision at 1st Mountain Drive. A 2001 Jeep Cherokee crashed into a retaining wall, causing major damage. Officer Beutel arrested the driver, Albert Acosta, age 32 for DUI. He provided a breath test of .11 BAC.
On 8/8/ at 1:19 a.m., Officer Jenson and Reserve Officer Kwong were on patrol when they saw a 1997 Toyota sedan turn from Ortega to southbound Garden Street. The Toyota drove on the wrong side of the road for 50 feet before correcting. The Toyota turned right on Gutierrez Street, running over the curb in the process. When Officer Jensen turned on his lights, the Toyota turned into a parking lot, running over the curb again in the process. Officer Jensen arrested the driver, Courtney Ann Kittner, age 34, for DUI. She provided a breath test of .19 BAC.
On 8/8 at 1:24 a.m., Officer M. Lazarus stopped Eric Lorenzo Garcia, age 35, in his black Pontiac, at 100 E. Cota Street, for speeding and running a red light. Officer Beutel arrived to assist and arrested Garcia for DUI. Garcia provided a breath test of .19 BAC.
On 8/17 at 9:35 p.m. Officer Wojciechoski responded to a traffic collision at 800 Palermo Drive. Janet Elizabeth Lacey, age 38 had crashed her 2003 Toyota into a parked vehicle. Lacey was arrested for DUI. She provided a blood sample for analysis.
On 8/18 at 12:31 a.m., Officer Burgard assisted Sgt. Mike McGrew on a traffic stop of a Ford pickup at 3700 Portofino. He arrested the driver, Marc Robert Walker, age 32 for DUI. Walker provided a breath sample of .17 BAC.
Aug
20
SANTA BARBARA, CA–August 12th, 2010–A suspect is being sought in a credit card fraud known as “skimming”. “Credit Card Skimming” involves placing a skimming device over a legitimate credit card reader that captures the credit card number. In this case, the suspect placed the skimming device on an ATM machine at a bank on Upper State Street. 28 customers swiped their credit card through the fraudulent card reader, unaware that it was not the legitimate card reader. When the ATM machine didn’t work, the customers presumed the machine was simply broken. Unfortunately, they had just been scammed: the “skimmer” captured their credit card information. The suspect later returned to the bank, retrieved the skimmer, downloaded the credit card information, and made duplicate cards. These cards were used extensively before the customers discovered the scam and canceled their credit cards. Anyone with suspect information is urged to contact Detective John Ingram, 805-897-2331, or anonymously at 805-897-2386.
In past Credit Card Skimming cases, suspects also placed a tiny pin-hole camera above the bank ATM PIN-pads. This allows suspects to capture both the credit card number and the secret PIN. The suspects can then make a duplicate card and use the PIN to clean out bank accounts before the fraud is detected. The public needs to be aware of this scam. Be sure you are using a legitimate credit card reader and not a skimmer. A fraudulent skimmer usually protrudes further than usual, and is often attached over the legitimate card reader with double-sided adhesive tape. If at all unsure, grasp and shake the credit card reader to be sure it doesn’t break loose. If the ATM does not function properly, be suspicious of a skimmer. If you believe you might have been scammed, contact your bank immediately.
Aug
20
FIGHT AND AUTO THEFT CASES: Night Patrol Shift Kept Busy
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SANTA BARBARA, CA–August 12th, 2010–Santa Barbara police officers working the night shift were kept busy the past two nights:
On 8/11 at 2:00 a.m., police responded to a fight call in the 500 block of State Street. They found 5 Italian male tourists detaining a Santa Barbara man named Ian Shae McGill, age 21 by piling on top of him. Officers peeled away the tourists one-by-one until there was only McGill and one tourist. The last tourist was trying to get up when McGill grabbed him and continued the battle. McGill was swinging and fighting with the tourist, who was only trying to restrain him. McGill would not obey repeated police commands to stop fighting. An officer used his taser weapon on McGill, and then took him into custody. The police investigation determined the following circumstances: The tourists were in a rental car driving down State Street. McGill, who had been drinking, ran and jumped on their car, causing a large dent. The tourists stopped their car, got out, and approached McGill about the damage. McGill tried to leave, but they blocked his escape. McGill started throwing punches and fighting with the whole group. The tourists tackled him and restrained him until police arrived. Even while being pinned to the ground, McGill fought as best able, repeatedly biting the chest of one of the tourists restraining him. Police took photos of the damaged car and the bite marks before booking McGill for vandalism, battery, fighting in public and resisting arrest.
Meanwhile, as police were wrapping up this investigation, a brand new VW Jetta raced up State Street at high speed. It went into a four-wheel locked skid to avoid crashing into a parked police car. Police approached the driver, Andrew Demarest, age 27, of Los Angeles, who cracked his window open a fraction of an inch. Even through the slight opening, the odor of burning marijuana billowed out from within. The vehicle had paper plates, but a VIN check revealed the VW as stolen out of Los Angeles. Inside the VW was an assortment of stolen property including a lap-top computer, golf clubs, an I-Pod, electronics, plus some burglary tools. Police arrested Demarest and a passenger, Jose Shesauf Gutierrez Acosta, age 25. The investigation determined that Demarest and Acosta stole the vehicle and drove up to Santa Barbara. While driving downtown, they came upon the fight incident at 500 State Street. They decided it would be fun to watch. They parked nearby and lit up marijuana cigarettes while watching the fight and the police response. After the fight was over they decided to leave. Demarest, who was under the influence of marijuana, nearly collided with a parked police car. This resulted in his being detained and arrested. Demarest was booked for auto theft, DUI marijuana, being under the influence of Meth, possession of burglary tools, and possession of marijuana while driving. Acosta was booked for auto theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. More charges may be added pending further investigation of the stolen property.
On 08/12 at 1:22 a.m., Officer Hettema was on routine patrol on Milpas Street when he saw an unfamiliar black BMW parked behind Auto Zone, at 305 N. Milpas Street. A license check revealed the vehicle as stolen. Officer Hettema arrested a 31-year-old Santa Barbara man seated in the driver’s seat for auto theft. The suspect’s name is being withheld at this time pending on-going investigation.
Aug
20
SANTA BARBARA, CA–August 11th, 2010–The Santa Barbara Police Department is issuing a warning on the dangers of drug abuse, specifically heroin use. Three people have died this week from suspected heroin overdose, and two more were hospitalized for treatment. It is not uncommon to have a few reported heroin overdose deaths in Santa Barbara per year. Three heroin overdose deaths in three days is unusual, and may indicate that unusually strong heroin is being distributed.
On 8/6 at 2:04 a.m., police and medical rescue responded to a residence on the Mesa on an overdose case. A 20-year-old male resident was pronounced dead at the scene. Police found drug paraphernalia consistent with heroin use. A roommate told police that the victim had used heroin, alcohol, and xanax. The autopsy tests are incomplete, but it appeared that heroin played a significant role in the death. The source of the heroin was not determined.
On 8/6 at 4:51 a.m., police and medical rescue responded to a residence in the Hidden Valley area on an overdose case. A 31 year old male resident was pronounced dead at the scene. Police found paraphernalia consistent with heroin use. The victim?s mother stated her son had a past history of drug use, but thought he was doing better lately. The source of the heroin was not determined.
On 8/8 at 5:44 p.m., police and medical rescue responded to a downtown residence on an unknown medical problem. A 30-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim?s uncle showed symptoms of heroin overdose and was treated at Cottage Hospital. The uncle said both he and the victim used heroin. This case is pending toxicological analysis by the office of the Sheriff’s Coroner.
On 8/8 at 12:04 a.m., Police responded to Cottage Hospital Emergency Room on a drug overdose case. An unresponsive 23-year-old woman who lives on the Mesa was hurriedly dropped off by two males who immediately left. The woman was treated for heroin overdose. She was uncooperative and refused to say how she obtained the heroin or who dropped her off.
The Santa Barbara Police Department urges anyone who abuses drugs, especially heroin, to seek treatment immediately. One local agency to call is: The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA), Project Recovery: 805-962-6195.
Aug
20
SANTA BARBARA, CA–August 10th, 2010–In light of a report recently released to the media entitled “Report on the Impoundment of Vehicles of Undocumented Immigrants in the City of Santa Barbara”, the following is the Santa Barbara Police Department’s policy on impounding vehicles operated by drivers who are unlicensed or are driving on a suspended license. Pursuant to Section 14607.6 of the CA Vehicle Code, vehicles operated by drivers who are unlicensed or driving on a suspended or revoked license are subject to being impounded for 30 days. Section 14607.6(2) of the Vehicle Code applies this section to unlicensed drivers whose license has been expired for more than 30 days. No effort is made to target any ethnic group as a means to enforce traffic laws. SBPD is in agreement with the CA Attorney General’s Office who states that drivers who are unlicensed or driving on a suspended license pose a significant risk to law abiding drivers and pedestrians. Studies have shown a significant correlation between being unlicensed or driving on a suspended license and: Higher accident rates, higher probability of being a suspect in a hit-and-run collision, higher probability of being uninsured, and lower probability that the vehicle is correctly registered to the actual owner.
SBPD policy specifically prohibits enforcement action taken against anyone based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, or religion. Officers do not make traffic stops based on assumptions that a driver may be unlicensed or undocumented. Officers are required to have either observed a violation of the law, have probable cause that a crime occurred, or be conducting a DUI checkpoint. All DUI checkpoints conducted by SBPD officers are in compliance with guidelines established by the Supreme Court. When making a traffic stop, officers are directed to verify that the driver has a valid drivers license. The responsibility of driving a vehicle includes maintaining a valid license complete with the current address, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If the driver is unlicensed or has a suspended or revoked license, the driver will receive a citation and the vehicle will be impounded in nearly every case. The citation will include a report outlining the probable cause for the traffic stop and the officer’s investigation that determined the driver was unlicensed or had a suspended license. When the decision to impound a vehicle is made, SBPD utilizes the services of private tow companies who operate on a rotation basis. Impounded vehicles are towed to private tow company locations. The vehicle will not be released without police approval.
The Santa Barbara Police Department adheres to the law on all enforcement policy, including impounding vehicles operated by drivers who are unlicensed or have a suspended license. Chief Sanchez said: “The Santa Barbara Police Department’s policies and practices comply with California law, which requires a valid license in order to operate a motor vehicle. I am confident that our officers are making traffic stops legally, and that our enforcement makes Santa Barbara a safer place to drive.”
Aug
20
SANTA BARBARA, CA–August 9th, 2010–From a public safety outlook, Fiesta 2010 has concluded as one of the safest in memory. There was a complete absence of gang violence or major assaults involving weapons. Many tens of thousands of people enjoyed the many Fiesta venues in complete safety. The success of Fiesta 2010 built upon progress made during the last two Fiestas. Specifically, the following factors contributed to reduced crime activity:
Strong downtown presence by Santa Barbara Police Officers assisted by Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Deputies; CHP, and University Police.
Highly mobile officers on motorcycles and bicycles who often arrived to quell disturbances within seconds;
Teams of gang enforcement officers including personnel from: SBSO, Santa Maria PD, Lompoc PD, Ventura Sheriff’s Dept, State Parole, Santa Barbara Probation, and Ventura Probation Departments.
Communication with officers and the public handled by SBPD Communications Center.
Pre-planning that included: Placing bright lights at key locations; police resource distribution; cooperative discussion with Old Spanish Days; and coordination with the City of SB’s Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments.