Police Blotter

Burglary, Hot Prowl, Forcible Entry: June 12, 3 a.m., 300 Block of 20th Avenue
The couple who reported the break-in was on the second floor of the building when they heard a loud noise in the bathroom and woke from their sleep.

Checking out the disturbance, the male victim found the bathroom window open and items that usually sit on the window sill were on the floor. He then heard the kitchen door slam shut. After going to investigate, he found the usually locked door to be unlocked.

Police arrived on the scene, but a search of the area failed to turn up the suspect. The couple's premises was also searched, but only smudges on the bathroom window sill, the presumed point of entry, were found. Crime scene investigators were not called upon because of the lack of physical evidence.

Malicious Mischief, Vandalism to Vehicle: May 28, 2:57 a.m., 900 Block of Presidio Avenue
Two juveniles dressed in black were inside a Muni yard tagging buses with spray paint and markers. A Muni employee saw the suspects in action and closed the front gate to contain them for police, but the suspects were so busy tagging buses they failed to notice they had been seen.

Officers found the suspects covered in paint inside a freshly graffitied bus. They were handcuffed and positively identified by the employee. Officers searched their backpacks and found that each pack contained three spray paint cans and one marker pen in colors that matched the fresh markings on 20 Muni buses.

The two suspects were charged with trespassing, possession of vandalism or graffiti tools, graffiti on government or public transportation vehicles and two counts of malicious mischief before being released to their parents.

Burglary, Vehicle: June 2, 1:01 p.m., Eighth Avenue and John F. Kennedy Drive
Police officers were patrolling the area when radio dispatch reported that a citizen had witnessed a man break into a car on Eighth Avenue and Fulton Street. He then fled into the park towards the California Academy of Sciences.

A man matching the suspect's description was spotted running in the heavy brush attempting to evade capture and arrest by police. Officers surrounded the suspect, who stopped suddenly and raised both hands over his head saying, "I give up."

At the police station, the suspect was found to have a history of auto burglary arrests and other more severe crimes. He agreed to speak to police because he knew he would be released to the custody of state parole officers. The suspect admitted to charges of attempted auto burglary and fleeing police, noting that if he had reversed his jacket from black to gray, he might have successfully escaped. He also admitted to a May 18 incident of auto burglary in the park, for which he was booked accordingly.

The suspect said he committed the crimes because he had rent to pay and was trying to save up for a horticultural program. He also told officers that it felt good to tell the truth and gave them helpful tips for catching auto burglars who use the park's paths and trails.

Theft, Pickpocket: May 30, 12:20 p.m., Muni #38 Geary Bus Line
The 62-year-old victim had his wallet stolen from his rear pocket while riding a Muni bus. About $500 in cash and his credit and personal identification cards were missing.

No suspects came to mind because of the crowded bus condition.

Robbery, Attack: June 11, 5:55 p.m., Broderick and Sutter Streets
The victim was passing two men on the northeast corner of Sutter and Broderick streets when one of the males suddenly punched the victim's right cheek. He fell to the ground and the two suspects stole his keys and wallet, containing $95 and his ATM and personal identification cards.

Another suspect in a get-away Toyota hatchback picked up the two suspects and then drove off westbound on Sutter Street.

The victim walked home to call police, but a search of the area failed to turn up the suspects, who were estimated to be in the 20- to 25-year-old range.

Robbery, Purse Snatch: June 17, 2:55 p.m., Pine and Pierce Streets
The 62-year-old female victim was walking north on Pierce Street when she passed two youths walking in the opposite direction. As she passed, one of the suspects grabbed her purse and they started running - with the victim chasing after them.

Two other passerbys saw the fleeing suspects discard the purse, but continued to follow the suspects. When the suspects split up, the two passerbys were able to detain one and hold him for police, but the other suspect got away. Police arrived and searched the area, but to no avail.

The captured suspect did not have the $30 that was missing from the victim's recovered purse. In a written statement, he implicated his companion as the culprit, insisting, "I didn't do anything."

Warrant Arrest: May 24, 5:13 p.m., 2700 Block of Bush Street
An officer was patrolling the area when he saw a man step onto a porch and lay down on his stomach. The officer got out of the patrol car to see what was going on and he found the suspect preparing to smoke crack cocaine.

Upon seeing the officer, the suspect attempted to flee, but was apprehended and handcuffed. More officers who arrived on the scene collected evidence - pieces of suspected cocaine and other drug-use materials.

At the police station, a computer check revealed the man also had an outstanding $212 warrant for his arrest, which he was booked for in addition to resisting arrest.