Police Blotter: Music Session Leads to Grand Theft Auto

This week, an argument between a drunk driver and passenger resulted in an accident, a television was stolen from underneath a fumigation tent, and a man who was invited to work on a music session stole the co-writer's vehicle instead. Read on for more.

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Over the past seven days, the Police Department handled 579 service events that resulted in 99 investigations. Here are some of the most notable issues and events:

Drunk Driver Hits Parked Car

On August 21 at 1:56 a.m., the fun ended for three people who were heading home from a party in a Toyota truck. The intoxicated male driver and the intoxicated female riding in the front passenger seat got into an argument. Details of the argument were undisclosed, but the female became so angry that she grabbed the steering wheel from the driver, which caused him to crash into a parked car in the 700 block of Ridgeside Dr. The police were called but when they arrived, the driver had fled the scene. But, he wasn’t gone for long. An officer was able to locate him and he was arrested for driving under the influence and felony hit and run with injury, according to police reports. The female passenger wasn’t let off the hook. She was arrested for public and intoxication and interfering with the vehicle’s driver. Meanwhile, the second female passenger was taken to the hospital for back pain.

Sleeping Driver Leads to DUI Arrest

On August 21 just minutes after midnight, a police officer on patrol came across a car that was partially parked in the street at Walker and El Norte. The car’s engine was still running, but the passenger wasn’t. The passenger was asleep. The officer determined the driver was drunk and arrested them for DUI.

West Huntington Business Burglarized

On August 22 at 4:11 a.m., an alarm was activated inside a business in the 900 block of West Huntington. Police responded and discovered a smashed window upon arrival. A “responsible party” arrived shortly after, and informed officers that several cell phones and one computer monitor was missing. Police are continuing the investigation.

South California Business Burglarized

On August 22 at 11:39 a.m., a business in the 1500 block of South California reported a burglary. According to reports, an unknown suspect or suspects cut a chain link fence around an outside yard and entered an area where merchandise is kept. Reports did not say whether anything was stolen. However, police are continuing the investigation.

Music Session Leads to Grand Theft Auto

On August 23 at about 2:49 p.m., a man in the 900 block of South Ivy invited another man to his home so they could put some music together. But it doesn’t look like these two will be co-writing any number one hits. When the suspect told the victim that he left his wallet in the victim’s car, the victim handed over his keys. Instead of retrieving his wallet, the suspect hopped in the 2000 BMW 740i and drove away, heading west on Huntington toward the 210 freeway. The car hasn’t yet been located, but the investigation is continuing.

Hand Gestures and Brandishing Weapons

On August 23 at 4:40 p.m., a man/victim was sitting in his car in a business parking lot in the 500 block of West Huntington. Next to him were a man and a woman, also sitting in their car, which was described as an older model Isuzu Rodeo. When the victim asked the man what was wrong, the man answered with an offensive hand gesture. Then, the woman sitting next to him brandished a gun. The two suspects then drove off, but the victim followed them. He last saw their car heading eastbound on Duarte at Myrtle. Police say the investigation is continuing.

Fumigation Leads to Burglary

On August 24, at 4:52 a.m., an officer on patrol noticed something strange at a home in the 100 block of Stedman Place. The home was being fumigated and ensconced in a large tent, but there was a large hole in the tent. The hole just happened to be directly outside a wide-open window, and a light was on inside the home. An officer watched the house for some time, but did not see anyone in or around the house. After it was safe to enter the home, it was determined that a 42-inch television had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.