“Police Blotter” Highlights – Ending Nov. 22nd, 2015
ROBBERIES
On Tuesday, Nov. 17th, around 5 p.m., officers were dispatched to James Logan High School on the report of a battery. The victim said that four juvenile males punched him and stole his backpack. He was able to identify two of the suspects. One of them, a 16-year-old Union City resident, was arrested for robbery, battery and conspiracy to commit a crime. The other suspects are unaccounted for.
On Saturday, Nov. 21st, around 2:45 p.m., Ofc. Orlando was dispatched to the 31300 block of Alvarado-Niles Rd. on the report of a robbery. Two suspects approached the victim at a bus stop and demanded money from him. They both punched him in the face. The victim knows the first names of the suspects, but he will not identify them or press charges.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Grand Theft Scam:
On Monday, Nov. 16th, Ofc. Cushman took the report of a grand theft that actually occurred the previous week. The grand theft was committed via a scam. The victim responded to a Craigslist ad for a Toyota Camry, and followed instructions to pay $2,000 with PayPal “My Cash” pre-paid cards. The car was never delivered.
Scam Alert: This scam is similar to Green Dot scams, which are becoming more widespread. NEVER give a PayPal “My Cash” or Green Dot MoneyPak® number to someone you do not know. PayPal’s website lists the following warnings about fraud:
The PayPal My Cash chit is for self-use only - only use it to load funds to your own PayPal Account. If anyone asks for your My Cash Card PIN number or information from your receipt, it's probably a scam. Don't give your My Cash Card PIN number to pay for something you buy through the classifieds or to collect a prize or sweepstakes. Do not give away your PIN or receipt information to any other party. If you give away your My Cash Card PIN number or information about the purchase transaction, the provider is not responsible for paying you back for any loss. The funds are not insured against loss.
Assault with Deadly Weapon:
On Monday, Nov. 16th, around 6 p.m., officers were dispatched to Veterans Park (4525 Dyer St.) on reports of a fight in progress. The victim was riding his bike through the park, when he was approached by two males who were known to him. They kicked and beat up the victim, resulting in a broken nose and other injuries. Rico Morini, an 18-year-old Union City resident, and a 17-year-old Union City resident, were both arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
On Sunday, Nov. 22nd, around 11:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 30000 block of Industrial Parkway on the report of a hit and run, which was eventually deemed to be an assault with a deadly weapon. The suspect intentionally rammed his vehicle into the victim’s vehicle, then got out of his car and punched the victim in the head, knocking him unconscious for a short time. A witness took a photo of the suspect vehicle. UCPD detectives are continuing to investigate this case.
Vehicle Theft Arrest:
On Friday, Nov. 20th, around midnight, Ofc. Willson was patrolling the area of Whipple Rd. and Ithaca St. when he observed a vehicle that was reported stolen out of San Jose. Jose Ruiz, a 33-year-old San Jose resident, was arrested for vehicle theft.
BURGLARIES AND CAR THEFTS
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES
From Monday, Nov. 16th through Sunday, Nov. 22nd, there were three reported residential burglaries:
• 34800 block of Starling Dr.: Occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 18th, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. A window was left unlocked. The residence was ransacked, and the loss included jewelry and cash.
• 300 block of Kauai Circle: Occurred at an unknown time prior to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18th. Unknown method of entry, and only small, miscellaneous items were taken.
• 4300 block of Agena Circle: Occurred between Friday, Nov. 20th at 7:30 a.m., and Saturday, Nov. 21st at 7:30 a.m. The rear sliding door was left unlocked. The loss included tools and fixtures.
COMMERCIAL BURGLARIES
From Monday, Nov. 16th through Sunday, Nov. 22nd, there were two reported commercial burglaries:
• 2800 block of Whipple Rd.: Occurred between Monday, Nov. 9th at 8 a.m., and Monday, Nov. 16th at 10 a.m. The credit card machine was taken from the store.
• 3800 block of Smith St.: Occurred between Friday, Nov. 20th at 11 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 21st at 5:30 a.m. Forced entry through a rear door; cash was stolen.
AUTO BURGLARIES AND VEHICLE THEFTS
From Monday, Nov. 16th through Sunday, Nov. 22nd, there were eight reported auto burglaries, seven of which occurred at the Union Landing shopping center. All of them involved items that were left in plain view for the burglars to see, including a brand new Samsung TV! Safety Tip: As a reminder, never leave items of value inside your vehicle!
From Monday, Nov. 16th through Sunday, Nov. 22nd, there were five reported vehicle thefts. As of the time of this report, two of the vehicles have been recovered.
Anyone with information on local crime or any of the listed incidents should contact the Investigations Division at 510-675-5247. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the tips line by calling 510-675-5207 or email [email protected].
LET US KNOW HOW WE ARE DOING
We strive to provide excellent service to the community and are interested in hearing from members of the public about the quality of our service. Please share your experience and let us know how we’re doing. Visit http://www.ci.union-city.ca.us/departments/police-department to complete a Police Customer Satisfaction Survey.
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!
