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SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/21/2007. Warren Fuller, the passenger in the vehicle that crashed into a Cliff Drive residence was pronounced dead early this morning. He was 77 years old. Cottage Hospital staff reported that his two sons were at his bedside. Fuller had been hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit following the 12:15 p.m. accident last Saturday, 6/16/07. He was the right-front and sole passenger in a Nissan Maxima driven by Esther Argenal, age 62. The accident occurred when Argenal, who was traveling eastbound on Cliff Drive, lost control of her vehicle. The Nissan crossed over the opposing lanes of traffic, left the roadway, and crashed headlong through a bedroom wall of the residence at 1310 Cliff Drive. No one was in the residence, which sustained major damage.

Argenal received very minor injuries but Fuller sustained major chest and internal injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/20/2007 – As Summer approaches, people who flock to beaches, parks, or other destinations will often leave valuables secured in their vehicles. While locked doors and alarm systems bring a sense of security, many professional thieves spend their summer days seeking opportunities for a quick buck. Police officers know too well how an auto burglary turns a day of leisure into one of disappointment or worse.

To illustrate just how quickly a thief can target a vehicle, force entry, and escape, the Allstate Insurance Company has provided a vehicle to use in a live auto burglary demonstration. The media is invited to attend: Thursday, June 28th, at 9:00 a.m., at the rear parking lot of the Police Department, at 200 E. Anapamu Street.

The threat of auto break-ins are ever-present: On any given day, thieves roam through parking garages, beach parking lots, city streets– anywhere vehicles are parked, to assess the risks and rewards. History has shown that most auto burglars are opportunists who usually target vehicles with valuables in plain sight. The most popular items sought by local auto burglars include: I Pods, purses, cell phones, laptop computers, and luggage. To minimize the risk of having your vehicle broken into, SBPD recommends the following tips:

Always lock doors and windows when leaving vehicle unattended.
Park in a well lit area and where passersby can see your car.
Always conceal items of value, preferably before you park. Thieves will sometimes post watch at trail heads and gyms for people who hide valuables under the seat or in the trunk.
Be aware of suspicious persons and call 911 to report suspicious activity.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/19/2007. A man is in custody on suspicion of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his employer. Yesterday (6/18/07), Patrick Joseph Roche, age 33, surrendered himself to detectives at the police station. The victim business was Select Remedy, at 3820 State Street. The investigation began in April, when a co-worker noticed irregularities on how the account books were managed. When questioned, Roche told a co-worker that he embezzled $80,000. He was fired that day. The case was investigated by Detective Norma Hansen of the Special Investigations Unit. By means of bank records and other sources, the total amount embezzled jumped to $324,000. Roche was hired in 1999 as the Collections and Credit Manager. This gave him the opportunity to control funds being returned to companies as overpayments. Roche had established a dummy company named ‘California Consulting Group.’ He altered the company books to reflect that this dummy company was due large refunds from overpayments. Over a six year period he funneled 38 checks ranging from $2,200 to $18,800 into his dummy company’s account. As the account holder, he was able to withdraw the money at will.

Detectives continue to investigate whether any funds are recoverable. So far, Detective Hansen determined that Roche spent large sums at: On-line investing (called E-Trade), electronics and technology stores, a private gym membership, utilities and gasoline, and adult entertainment in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Roche was booked for grand theft by embezzlement; bail set at $324,000. The District Attorney filed charges of Grand Theft, with a special allegation called “excessive taking” (defined as any amount over $100,000.) If convicted, this can result in added time to Roche’s sentence.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/18/07. Santa Barbara Police are investigating three traffic accidents on or near Cliff Drive; all major, one involving a fatality. On Saturday, 6/17/07 at 12:15 p.m. Esther Argenal, age 62 was driving her Nissan Maxima eastbound on Cliff Drive. As she neared the intersection of Terrace Drive, her vehicle drifted to the left, crossed over the opposing lanes, and ran off the roadway. The Nissan crashed into the residence at 1310 Cliff Drive, fully penetrating into a bedroom. The residence sustained significant damage; fortunately, no one was home. Argenal received minor injuries. Her passenger, Warren Fuller, age 77, was hospitalized in critical condition with major chest injuries. Accident investigators are investigating why her vehicle ran off the road.

Yesterday (Sunday) at 11:30 a.m. police dispatch received numerous calls of an injury collision at Cliff Drive and Santa Cruz Blvd. Emergency crews found Juanita “Janie” Owens, age 72, in a Pontiac Grand-Am and Harry Atterbury, age 54, in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Emergency crews removed them from their wrecked vehicles and transported them to Cottage Hospital. Owens was pronounced dead upon arrival from apparent head trauma. Atterbury is in stable condition with head and leg injuries. The investigation is not complete but has determined that Owens was leaving a private residence in the 1500 block of Cliff Drive. Owens pulled directly into the path of Atterbury, who was driving westbound on Cliff Drive. His Jeep squarely broadsided her driver’s side door. The impact spun both vehicles into the opposing lanes of traffic, but no other vehicles were affected. The posted speed limit is 40 MPH; however the speed each vehicle was traveling remains under investigation. There were several witnesses to this incident.

Today (6/18/07) at 1:00 p.m. police responded to a truck versus motorcycle accident on Meigs Road near Cliff Drive. The motorcyclist was traveling south on Meigs Road when he was struck on the right side by a small pickup truck entering Meigs Road from the business parking lot near McDonald’s Restaurant. The motorcyclist was transported to Cottage Hospital with an apparent broken leg. The names of the involved parties are not available at this time.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/15/2007. In response to recent gang violence, SBPD has initiated pro-active patrols designed to reduce gang problems. Yesterday at 2:20 p.m., officers working the Westside Bike Patrol stopped two teenagers at 2200 Modoc Rd. for riding bicycles on the sidewalk and for not wearing helmets. One rider had a 16 inch baseball bat stuffed down his pants. This is a common weapon used in gang fights. The suspect admitted to associating with a street gang, and needing the bat “for protection.” The 5-8, 190 lb 13-year-old was booked at Juvenile Hall.

Yesterday at the Santa Barbara High School graduation, officers contacted three known gang members wearing shirts identifying their gang name. The school principal had issued a ‘no gang apparel’ order for anyone on school property. The gang members were warned and escorted off school property. Several minutes later, officers saw them seated amongst the crowd in the viewing area, still wearing gang apparel. One suspect flashed ‘gang signs’ to an unknown person, made kicking motions, and pointed to the gang name on his shirt. He also had his gang’s initials tattooed across the back of his head. It is known fact that flashing gang signs is a challenge to fight. Police arrested Ernesto Gil Lopez, age 19, for challenging to fight, trespassing on school property, and committing these acts in furtherance of a street gang. Police also saw a 15-year-old male gang member flashing gang signs. He was arrested for violation of probation.

On 6/13/07 at 10:00 p.m. police contacted residents living in an apartment on Oceano Drive in regards to a loud party complaint. The partying residents refused to communicate with police, but did quiet down. At 2:15 a.m. police returned on a second loud party complaint. An officer witnessed several people on a second story balcony talking, shouting, and laughing loudly. When they saw police they went inside, locked the door, and refused to communicate. This time a neighbor wanted to make a citizen’s arrest for disturbing the peace. Typically this involves issuing a citation to the offending party. Officers spent 40 minutes trying to gain the resident’s cooperation without success. At 3:00 a.m., police forced entry and contacted the primary resident, Emilio Zamorano, age 31. It turned out that he is on active parole which gives police the legal authority to search his residence. Police found sixteen marijuana plants, a crack pipe, and numerous rounds of armor-piercing ammunition. Police arrested Zamorano for disturbing the peace, delaying a police investigation, and parole violation. His ‘guests’ were sent home. Neighbors reported that Zamorano has often disturbed them with loud parties.

Lastly, on 6/14/07 at 2:30 p.m. police responded to the SB Museum of Art, 1130 State Street on a call of an intoxicated man creating a disturbance in the gift shop. Police arrested Mason Moodie for public intoxication. In Moodie’s pockets were several new pieces of jewelry with the price tags still attached. They came from So Good Jewelry, at 1107 State Street. A 19-year-old saleswoman reported that Moodie had wandered in and helped himself to chains and necklaces. The employee was afraid to confront him so she summoned assistance. Moodie left the store and went to the Museum, where he was arrested. Moodie, who is transient, was booked for a count of felony theft because of a history of theft convictions.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/13/07. Last night at 8:25 p.m. a gang fight broke out near Rusty’s Pizza restaurant, at 15 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Numerous suspects were involved in the altercation. Witnesses reported that the fight started outside, but moved into the restaurant. The fight only lasted a minute or two but prompted several 911 calls from customers and employees. At least two participants were seen brandishing knives, and others were throwing chairs. No customers or employees were injured. The suspects all left the restaurants, some in vehicles. Minutes later, a second and believed related fight was reported at 200 Castillo Street. Police responded but have not made any arrests.

At 8:40 p.m., just 15 minutes after the initial fight, police responded to Cottage Hospital on a call of a stabbing victim. Robert Joseph Martinez, age 20, arrived with three stab wounds to his upper left arm and chest. The wounds were described as “slashing” type, and are not life threatening. Martinez is a known gang member. Martinez did not cooperate with the investigation; however, police believe his injuries were sustained in the fight. Detectives believe the fight is gang related. Martinez received numerous stitches for his wounds and was released from the hospital.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/12/2007 – Two men: Gonzalo Rojas, age 27 and Christian Botello, age 26 are in custody in connection with a confrontation between roommates that progressed into a stabbing and robbery. The victim is a 34 year old painter who shares a bedroom with Rojas at a residence in the 1100 block of San Andres Street. The victim and Rojas have been feuding over Rojas’ propensity of frequently coming home late and making too much noise. The victim is a working man who goes to bed and gets up early for work. To resolve their differences Rojas agreed to move out and find a new residence.

Although he agreed to the move, Rojas grew upset about being the one to move out. Out of retaliation, Rojas decided to confront the victim and possibly assault him. His friend Botello agreed to accompany him. Yesterday at 11:45 a.m. Rojas burst into the victim’s bedroom and confronted him at knife point. The weapon was a folding knife with a four-inch blade. Rojas threatened him and demanded cash. Meanwhile, Botello eyed small valuables in the room including a digital camera, an I-Pod, and Walkman stereo. Botello bundled up several small items in a blanket. The victim struggled with Rojas, who responded by slashing at him with the knife. The victim sustained a defensive slash wound to one hand, and a laceration to his forehead. Rojas and Botello both ran from the residence with the stolen property, closely pursued by the victim. The suspects tried jumping into a waiting get-away pickup truck manned by a third party. They couldn’t get in because the doors were locked. The victim charged at them so vehemently that the pickup driver took off, abandoning the two suspects. The angry victim chased the two suspects across the street. Rojas was still armed with the knife and Botello armed himself with a large screwdriver.

The commotion attracted the attention of several passersby, including a man and woman couple. The suspects split up, allowing the victim to focus solely on Rojas. The victim shouted for assistance, and was joined by the man and woman witnesses. Together the three of them chased Rojas around the corner, across a parking lot, and to a dead-end behind the Carrillo Market at 626 W. Carrillo St. Although armed with the knife, Rojas was held at bay until police arrived to take him into custody. He tossed the knife just prior to capture, but police recovered it from on the ground. At 4:00 p.m. detectives arrested Botello at his residence in the 500 block of W. Sola St. Rojas was booked for assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery; Botello for assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. The victim was treated and released for his stab injuries. Botello is a known gang member, but police are not classifying this as a gang incident.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 06/02/2006 – The Santa Barbara Police Department is pleased to announce that the latest class of D.A.R.E. students graduated June 6th at the Arlington Theatre.  D.A.R.E. is an acronym for: Drug Abuse Resistance Education.  This bumper crop of over 400 sixth and fifth grade students (from 8 schools) joins rank with 16,600 others who have graduated since local inception in 1987.  Officer Anita Chamberlain personally educated all 440 students on the D.A.R.E. philosophy.  In addition to discussing the perils of drug use and violence, Officer Chamberlain teaches responsibility and how to make good choices.  Each student composed an essay explaining what they have learned.  The essays were judged and a winner selected from each class and school.

The following students were selected as school essay winners:

Roosevelt Elementary School:  Luke Ming

Washington Elementary School: Dana Sloan

McKinley Elementary School:  Jair Alexis Herrera

Monroe Elementary School:  Diana Tapia

Harding Elementary School:  Rocio Pacheco

Adams Elementary School:  Erika Cortes

Notre Dame School:  Kaitlin Neer

El Montecito Upper School: Libby Sestak

The Santa Barbara High School Jazz Band provides music to this free public event.  For those uncertain about the future of today’s youth, attending the one-hour D.A.R.E. graduation provides an uplifting glimpse that the future remains bright.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/5/2007.  Today, Glendale Police arrested a suspect believed to be the serial bank robber known as “The Irreconcilable Differences Bandit.”  According to FBI Agent Darrel Craig, the suspect was arrested about 12:00 noon, shortly after committing a bank robbery in Glendale.  There were no reports of injuries.  The case remains under investigation, but this man is the primary suspect in fifteen other bank robberies.  All but one of the robberies were committed in the Los Angeles area with the exception of a robbery at Citibank in Santa Barbara last Saturday, June 2nd.  SBPD detectives are investigating this case in cooperation with the FBI.

No photos or additional information will be released at this time pending further investigation.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/4/2007 – SBPD detectives and the FBI are jointly investigating a robbery at Citibank, 3757 State Street, that occurred on Saturday, 6/2/07.  At 9:45 a.m., the lone male suspect entered the bank and approached a female teller.  He presented a robbery demand note.  He claimed to have a firearm, but did not display it.  He obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and left the bank on foot.  Witnesses reported seeing the suspect flee the scene by jogging down Hitchcock Avenue to Calle Real.  The suspect description: White male, late 40s to early 50s, medium build, 5’8” height, 200 lbs, sandy or salt and pepper colored hair, and blue eyes.  He wore a white collarless shirt and blue jeans.  Surveillance photos of the suspect are unavailable at this time.

Detectives and FBI agents say this suspect may be the notorious bank robber known as “The Irreconcilable Differences” bandit, suspected of committing 15 bank robberies since December, 2006.  All of these earlier robberies occurred in the greater Los Angeles area including: Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Encino, Glendale, plus one robbery today in Newport Beach.  The FBI dubbed him “The Irreconcilable Differences Bandit” because, in his first robbery on December 22nd, he told the teller he was “going through a divorce.”  Police are uncertain if this is true or not.

In the majority of the earlier robberies, the suspect was well dressed wearing a long sleeved dress shirt and dark slacks.  He has displayed a handgun and is considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with suspect information is urged to contact Detective Chad Hunt or the Watch Commander at 897-2355.

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