Suspect attempted to steal classic Mercedes
A suspect broke into a residence on Sotelo Avenue and attempted to steal a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE. The incident happened either Sept. 8 or 9.
An unknown suspect or suspects forced open a lock box keyholder, according to Piedmont Police Department Captain Chris Monahan. He said they then accessed the locked garage where the vehicle was parked. The ignition was damaged from the suspect or suspects attempting to steal the vehicle.
The value of the vehicle is unknown. Captain Monahan said police were able to get fingerprints from the vehicle.
A stolen vehicle was recovered on Sept. 9. It set off the city’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system at 2:46 a.m. The vehicle was found abandoned with the catalytic converter missing, according to the police log. Captain Monahan said the vehicle had been used in a crime in Oakland where the suspect possessed a handgun.
Two stolen Audis were tracked in the city early the same morning. One was seen at least twice by officers, who attempted to make a stop, but the vehicle fled. A second Audi accompanied the first during the second attempted stop. The second vehicle was identified as one stolen from Bonita Avenue a few minutes before.
There were two occupants in the first Audi, both wearing masks, according to the police log.
Later on Sept. 9, thieves attempted to steal a red 2016 Acura TLX sedan parked on the street at Cambridge Way and York Drive. A neighbor reported the in progress theft at 9:10 p.m. The suspect or suspect fled and damage to the vehicle was estimated at $450.
Also on Sept. 9, an unknown suspect or suspect took a gray 2013 Infiniti G37 from a driveway Fairview Drive. The crime was reported at 9:35 p.m.
On Sept. 10, a synagogue on Grand Avenue reported a break-in. It was reported at 10:15 a.m. that someone had broken in to the Kehilla Community Synagogue overnight. The reporting person said items had been rifled through in every room. The point of entry was the back door. There is no reported loss at this time, according to Captain Monahan.
A counterfeit $20 bill was reported to Piedmont Police on Sept. 12. The victim said they had received it in change from a taco truck. Police took possession of the bill, took it to Wells Fargo, where it was confirmed as counterfeit. Captain Monahan said it’s “pretty rare that we are aware of” counterfeit money is found in Piedmont.
On Sept. 8, Piedmont Police observed a silver 2007 Dodge Caliber traveling on MacArthur Boulevard at 11:36 p.m. with no headlights or taillights on, according to Captain Monahan. He said the officer observed the vehicle weaving and crossing the double yellow line.
The vehicle was stopped. Police said the driver had watery, bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. Two open containers were seen in the vehicle, according to Captain Monahan.
A preliminary alcohol screening showed the male driver had 0.150 and 0.152 percent blood alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken to Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and submitted to a blood draw. He was arrested for DUI.
On Sept. 11, a Piedmont Police officer saw a white Toyota “driving recklessly” on Grand and Wildwood avenues, according to Captain Monahan. After a traffic stop, the officer observed signs of intoxication and the driver refused to take a field sobriety test, according to Captain Monahan.
The driver had Law-Enforcement Officer issued magazines that were taken for safe keeping, according to Captain Monahan. The driver requested a blood draw and was booked for DUI.
On Sept. 17, the PPD posted on their social media account:
While on patrol and moving from one part of our city to another, Officer Castillo came upon a traffic accident with injuries that just occurred on northbound Highway 13 and Park Blvd. He immediately provided emergency medical aid and requested CHP and medical response.
Our Piedmont officers take pride in establishing solid working relationships with our surrounding agencies and providing mutual assistance when needed. Due to the quick actions of emergency personnel, all parties from the accident were able to be safely extracted from the vehicles and transported for medical attention.
Good work by Officer Castillo and the nightshift team in assisting the occupants of these vehicles and streamlining emergency resources to the scene.
Screenshot of the aftermath of the crash taken from the PPD Instagram account