Capt. Richard CorrieaPolice Beat

Civilian heroes tackle thief

Local "heroes" recognized

On Wednesday Sept. 8, an officer on bicycle patrol in the area of Geary Boulevard and 10th Avenue was attacked by a 6'2" tall - 210 pound suspect. The suspect threw a cup full of liquid in the officer's face and began punching him in the face and body. The suspect ran away and the officer gave chase. The officer caught up with the suspect within seconds but encountered significant and violent resistance as he attempted of take the suspect into custody.

Mr. Michael Rinaldi and Mr. George Mapa, both of whom are employees at Paul's Battery and Tire Service, which is located at 4644 Geary Blvd., saw the assault occurring. These courageous individuals ran to the officer's aid and physically engaged the suspect. They were successful in subduing the suspect and then held him down until police back-up units arrived.

The suspect, Paul Jerome Weiher, was arrested and charged with battery on a police officer and resisting arrest. On Sept. 23, he was held to answer for the crimes in Superior Court. He remains in custody in lieu of a $75,000 bail.

Rinaldi and Mapa disregarded their personal safety when they confronted the officer's violent and powerful attacker. Because of their actions, they prevented both the officer and the suspect from being seriously injured. The police department is appreciative and indebted to these fine young men for their bravery and commitment to the police-community partnership.

On Sept. 15, these brave young men joined members of the Greater Geary Boulevard Merchants and Property Owners Association, local politicians and Police Chief George Gascon for lunch at the Holiday Inn on Van Ness Avenue. The chief acknowledged the heroic actions of Rinaldi and Mapa and, during a standing ovation at the luncheon, presented them with certificates of appreciation. I overheard the chief doing a bit of recruiting as we all left the stage.

Woman killed in car crash

There is a spray of flowers on the northeast corner of 40th Avenue and Cabrillo Street that reminds us of a recent loss to our community.

On Sept. 11, shortly after 2 a.m., Helen Bautista Calma was a passenger in a car at the intersection of 40th Avenue and Cabrillo, less than a block from her home, when her car was struck by a vehicle heading westbound on Cabrillo Street that failed to stop at a stop sign.

Calma suffered serious injuries in the collision and passed away later that day at San Francisco General Hospital. The driver of the other vehicle, William Richard Rojas, was arrested for driving with a suspended license, suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and manslaughter. He remains in custody in lieu of $800,000 bail.

I met with Calma's daughter and can tell you that the grief occasioned by such a sudden and senseless loss of a mother so close to home is more than my words can describe. Calma was a long-time Richmond District resident and an active member at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. This tragic and senseless loss has saddened and troubled many in our community.

Richmond Station officers have arrested 89 people so far this year for driving under the influence of alcohol. Please drive carefully and safely. If you consume alcoholic beverages please don't operate a motor vehicle.

Dog theft has happy ending

On Sept. 13, a small white Maltese dog named Ozzy was tied to pole outside of the Safeway on Seventh Avenue while his owner was inside shopping. When the owner returned Ozzy was gone - vanished.

The owner searched the neighborhood in vain and then reported the loss to officers at Richmond Station. Posters asking for Ozzy's return went up throughout the Inner Richmond and folks with information were asked to e-mail comehomeozzy@gmail.com. A tip led police to a You-tube video introducing a Maltese dog named "Biggy-smalls." On Sept. 15, the owner told police that he was sure that the dog in the video was Ozzy. Officers from our plain-clothes team jumped into the investigation and in just a few hours focused on a home in the Ingleside District where they thought Ozzy might be found.

After a bit of surveillance they recovered Ozzy and returned to Richmond Station with the little eight-pound dog. A person suspected of being involved in the theft of the dog was arrested. Emotions ran deep as the little guy left the name Biggy-smalls behind him and returned to his life as Ozzy.

I am just delighted by the way our community, including the online community, and our officers joined forces to right a wrong. The Inner Richmond is looking forward to the "welcome home Ozzy" party.

Our next Police Community Forum will be held on Oct. 19, at 1 p.m., at the Richmond Station. We will discuss public safety.

Capt. Richard Corriea is the commanding officer at the Richmond Station.