Police Blotter

Burglary, Hot Prowl, Forcible Entry: May 20, 3:10 a.m., 500 Block of 23rd Avenue
Police officers were en route to a hot prowl burglary when it was reported that three suspects had fled the scene in a black get-a-way car driven by a fourth suspect.

At the crime scene, the couple who reported the break-in said they were on the third floor of the residence when they heard a "bump" downstairs. A few moments later, the home's audible alarm went off when the front door was opened, apparently as the suspects' escape route.

The suspects entered the house by ripping open the screen on a second-floor window that was unlocked. Access to the second floor was attained by climbing onto a ledge over the front door of the house.

A search of the area failed to turn up the suspects, who were estimated to be in the 16- to 20-year-old range.

Theft, Pickpocket: April 29, 2:30 p.m., 5200 Block of Geary Boulevard
The victim reported that she was approached by four women while shopping in a shopping mall.

The suspects engaged the woman in conversation and while one or more of the suspects was bumping into the victim, the victim's purse was opened and her wallet, with $230 cash, was removed.

Two other victims were approached by the four women at about the same time. The suspects took a wallet and pen from one of the women and got nothing from the second before fleeing the mall.

A search of the area was unsuccessful.

Dog Attack, Bite: April 27, 4:30 p.m., 5500 Block of Geary Boulevard
A police officer approached a man (who had prior contacts with the police department) sitting on a chair on Geary Boulevard to talk to him. When the officer stuck out his hand to shake the man's hand, the man's dog leapt at the officer and bit him on the elbow before retreating.

The bite did not penetrate the officer's skin, thanks to the extra thick padding of his sweater.

The dog's owner was admonished to keep the dog muzzled for the public's safety and a copy of the report was given to Animal Care and Control representatives so the muzzle request can be enforced.

Theft, Pickpocket: May 17, 8:30 a.m., Muni #38 Geary Bus Line 33rd Avenue to Powell Street
A woman traveling downtown to work did not discover that her wallet had been stolen from her secured purse until later that day. She said, because of the crowdedness of the morning bus commute, no noticeable suspects came to mind.

The victim said $7 and her credit and personal identification cards were missing.

Theft, Pickpocket: April 30, 3:20 p.m., Muni #38 Geary Bus Line 16th Avenue to Stockton Street
The 61-year-old victim had his wallet stolen, with $125, while riding a Muni bus.

Because of the crowded conditions on the bus, the victim, who is visiting from Ireland, could not identify a potential suspect.

Warrant Arrest: May 15, 11:50 p.m., 2500 Block of Sutter Street
Officers responded to a call of a domestic dispute ­ a couple fighting. When they got there, the male suspect had already left the premises, so officers questioned the female suspect, who had a heavy smell of alcohol on her breath and extremely bloodshot eyes. She also stumbled several times.

Through slurred speech, the woman said the altercation was only verbal and that there was not any physical abuse.

Concerned for her inebriated condition, officers placed the woman under arrest for public intoxication and transported her for detoxification.

A computer check revealed the woman had an outstanding $25,000 warrant for her arrest under an alias, a charge the suspect confirmed.

Malicious Mischief, Vandalism to Property: May 20, 2:01 p.m., Baker and Sutter streets
A 20-year-old man marking red zones on city curbs with black paint was arrested after officers observed the man in the act at Baker and Sutter streets.

The suspect was caught red-handed with an ink bottle and gold pen. Because he swayed and had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath, he was booked for being drunk in public and for the graffiti charges.

A computer check revealed the suspect also had an outstanding traffic warrant

Theft, Purse Snatch: May 22, 7:50 p.m., Cabrillo Street and 46th Avenue
The victim was walking north on 46th Avenue when one of the suspects quickly crossed the street and started following her. All of a sudden, the suspect grabbed the woman's purse and started running.

The victim started screaming to draw attention to her plight. One witness saw the woman pointing toward the fleeing suspects so he followed them as they dropped the woman's purse and jumped into a get-a-way Honda.

As the two suspects were pulling off, the witness yelled to the men, "I've got your license plate."

The woman's purse had its $300, credit cards and makeup intact.

Police went to the address where the escape vehicle was registered to and talked to the suspect's mother and brother. As they were talking, the suspect walked up to the officers and said, "You guys looking for me? I was hiding in the bushes. (The other suspect) took the lady's purse. I just dropped him off at home."

The suspect was placed under arrest and the get-a-way car impounded.

The second suspect confessed to grabbing the woman's purse when he turned himself in to officers at the Richmond Station.