Police Blotter

Aggravated Assault with Force: Jan. 1, 3:15 a.m., Clement Street and 32nd Avenue
A witnessed noticed four men beating and dragging a drunk man. He yelled out for the men to stop and called police.

Officers arrived at the scene and found the man lying face-down in a prone position. He had bruises and welts on his face and arms and was acting very intoxicated. The victim refused medical treatment and refused to cooperate with police or paramedics who responded to the scene.

The witness said the four suspects, who were in their late teens or early 20s, were kicking the victim and dragging him down the street. When they started dragging him into a secluded doorway, the witness called out and the suspects fled.

The 23-year-old victim was transported to General Hospital for surveillance. A search of the area was to no avail.

Petty Theft with Prior Conviction: Jan. 8, 4:45 p.m., 5400 Block of Geary Boulevard
A shoplifter was observed by store employees as he put two bottles of perfume and six pairs of flannel boxer shorts into two shopping bags he was carrying. He then exited the store without paying.

An employee followed the 36-year-old suspect outside, grabbed one of the bags and told the suspect he was a store employee and to come back inside the store. The suspect dropped the second shopping bag and fled on foot.

The store employee hopped in a squad car and a search ensued. "That's him," the employee said as the police cruiser turned onto 22nd Avenue. The suspect was booked on a citizen's arrest.

A records check revealed numerous arrests for and convictions for petty theft.

Malicious Mischief, Resisting a Peace Officer: Jan. 10, 11:25 p.m., 2800 Block of Geary Boulevard
The suspect was drinking in a local bar when he missed his turn shooting pool. Because he was intoxicated, the man challenged anyone in the bar to a fight before exiting.

Outside the bar the man started arguing with several people. The suspect was arrested and booked.

Commercial Robbery with Force: Dec. 29, 2002, 9:30 a.m., 800 Block of La Playa
The suspect walked into a store and proceeded to put 15 containers of baby formula into a box before leaving the store without paying. A store employee noticed the theft and alerted a security guard, who stopped the suspect outside the store.

The suspect pushed the employee, dropped the stolen merchandise and took off running. The store employee and security guard chased the 35-year-old suspect down and managed to handcuff him, despite the suspect fighting to get away.

When officers arrived they took the suspect into custody and transported him to Richmond Station for booking. A records search revealed the suspect had been previously convicted of two felonies and a misdemeanor.

Commercial Robbery: Dec. 26, 2002, 5:45 p.m., 3400 Block of Geary Boulevard
A store employee was approached by the suspect, who said, "I have a gun. Give me the money."
The employee said she could not open the register. The suspect tried to open it, to no avail.
A witness saw the suspect run into a garage and not come out. A search of the area turned up the suspect - he was booked.