Numerous arrests made during overnight patrols in Riverside as “Watch-A” cleans house
Trevor Montgomery
RIVERSIDE – In their continuing efforts to combat recent vehicle burglaries and auto thefts, Riverside Police officers of “Watch-A” focused their overnight patrols in specific areas, officials announced in a press release today. The extra patrol focus was based on information and crime statistics provided by the department’s Crime Analysis Unit and led to several felony and misdemeanor arrests that officers made throughout the different areas patrolled by the department, according to officials.
At about 10:45 p.m., officers patrolling within the Central Neighborhood Policing Center responded to a report of suspects seen vandalizing property in the area of Nichols Park. While doing an area check, an officer located the suspect’s vehicle parked on the side of the road.
Officers detained two occupants of the vehicle for further investigation. While speaking to the pair, who were only identified as an adult male and a juvenile male, officers found they had fresh spray paint on their hands. Officers checked the area and determined the two suspects had spray painted graffiti onto a block wall along the railroad tracks. Officers reportedly found a quarter-mile of freshly sprayed graffiti.
The witness who had called 911 identified both suspects and both admitted to the vandalism. Officers arrested the juvenile suspect and he was released to a parent on a juvenile petition. A juvenile petition is equivalent to charges being filed against an adult suspect. Officers booked the adult into the county jail for felony vandalism.
Just a few minutes later, at about 10:50 p.m. officers patrolling the East Neighborhood Policing Center conducted a traffic stop in the area of Loma Vista St. and Douglas Ave. A records check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from a dealership lot in Redlands. Officers arrested the driver and booked him into jail for auto theft.
Later the next morning, officers conducting extra patrol in the West Neighborhood Policing Center spotted a suspicious car at about 2:10 a.m., on the 11700 block of Collett Ave. The vehicle was occupied by an adult female. Officers also found a juvenile male who was searching the trunk of a nearby vehicle.
Officers contacted and detained both subjects. A records check determined the vehicle the female was sitting in had been reported stolen. During their investigation, officers located the owner of the second vehicle they had seen the male searching through and established the male had burglarized the vehicle.
Officers arrested both suspects. During a subsequent search, the juvenile male was found to be in possession of shaved keys. Shaved keys are commonly used by criminals to steal cars.
Officers booked the female into the county jail for possession of a stolen vehicle and released the juvenile to his parents on a juvenile petition for the vehicle burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Officers patrolling the North Neighborhood Policing Center conducted a pedestrian check in the area of Market St. and First St. at about 6:25 a.m. As officers approached the suspect, they saw him throw a window-punch onto the ground. A window-punch is a small tool commonly used by criminals to break windows to gain access into vehicles, businesses and residences.
A records check revealed the subject was on parole for a previous burglary. Officers issued the man a citation for possession of burglary tools, a misdemeanor, and released him at the scene. According to the press release, officers will be forwarding reports to the District Attorney’s office as well as the suspect’s parole officer.
At about 6:40 a.m., towards the end of their busy shift, officers patrolling the North Neighborhood Policing Center conducted a traffic stop in the area of Market St. and Northbend St.
A records check revealed an adult male, who officers contacted during the stop, was found to have past contacts for theft-related crimes. During a search, officers found the suspect was in possession of porcelain chips. Porcelain chips are commonly used by criminals as a tool to break glass, in order to gain entry into vehicles, businesses and residences. Officers issued the suspect a citation for possession of burglary tools and he was released at the scene.
Following the long night filled with many arrests, while Watch-A officers were still finishing their daily duties, Watch-B officers were already out on the streets, patrolling the city and keeping its citizens safer.
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