In a social media post on Tuesday, July 29, the Piedmont Police Department reported that:
Yesterday at approximately 2:30 pm, an armed robbery occurred in the 100 block of Arbor Drive, where suspects stole tools from a construction worker at gunpoint. Our officers immediately responded and began an extensive investigation. Through quick work and strong collaboration, our team identified the suspected vehicle and located the four individuals involved. Just after 7:00 pm, all four suspects were taken into custody by our team. The investigation uncovered a loaded firearm and additional evidence connecting the suspects to the robbery.
The victim was able to positively identify the suspects, and one was found to have an outstanding warrant from our department for CVC 2800.2 (Felony Reckless Evading).
The suspects were booked into Santa Rita Jail on charges including PC 211 (Robbery), PC 29800(a)(1) (Felon in Possession of a Firearm), PC 496D(a) (Possession of a Stolen Vehicle), CVC 10851 (Vehicle Theft), and PC 1203.2 (Probation Violation), along with multiple outstanding warrants and in-custody holds. Outstanding work by our entire team, with exceptional investigative efforts by Officer Faucher and Officer Singh.
Over $10,000 worth of property was taken in a burglary on Requa Place on the night of July 18. The crime reportedly happened at 10:45 p.m. and was reported by the resident the next day. Three unknown suspects broke in through a sliding glass door in a bedroom, causing $1,500 in damage, according to Piedmont Police Captain Chris Monahan. He said a variety of items valued at over $10,000 were taken. The homeowner reported that she had video on a Nest camera.
Also on July 18, three unknown suspects were involved in the theft of $2,270 worth of gardening tools on Crocker Avenue. The tools include an electric blower, two hedgers, two gas-powered blowers and a chain saw.
According to Captain Monahan, one person took the tools and was described as an approximately 30-year old Hispanic male wearing a black hat over long wavy hair with a green shirt, blue jeans and red Nike shoes. The three suspects left the scene in a silver 2002 Acura MDX.
At approximately 2:34 a.m. on July 20, police saw a black 2006 Acura TL traveling on Grand Avenue at what police described as a high rate of speed unsafe for conditions. According to Captain Monahan, police observed the vehicle swerving in and out of the traffic lane. The officer then saw the vehicle run a red light at Oakland Avenue, according to Captain Monahan. The vehicle was pulled over.
According to Captain Monahan, the driver immediately exited the vehicle and threw his keys and wallet onto the roof of the vehicle and was “argumentative.” He said the driver refused to provide his driver’s license and was handcuffed. After later being identified, the driver was found to have a suspended license and multiple prior “DUI-related incidents,” according to Captain Monahan. The driver refused to take a field sobriety test (FST) nor a preliminary alcohol screening. He was arrested for suspected DUI.
At 2 a.m. on the morning of July 19, police saw a gray 2019 Audi S5 traveling at a “high rate of speed” on Grand Avenue, according to Captain Monahan. An officer began following and saw the driver swerve to avoid the center crosswalk island and further swerve in and out of the traffic lane.
The vehicle was pulled over. The officer smelled alcohol, according to Captain Monahan, and reported the driver had bloodshot and watery eyes. The driver said he had not been drinking. After taking a field sobriety test, the driver was arrested and charged with DUI.
On July 23, police were dispatched to assist Piedmont Fire Department with a reported arson near Lexford and Huntleigh roads. The fire was extinguished when the Fire Department arrived. A juvenile male approached the police and fire representatives and said he had accidentally started the fire and then put it out. According to Captain Monahan, the boy said he was playing with a lighter and lit a leaf on fire and then dropped it, which ignited other
leaves. The juvenile said he had bottles of water which he used to extinguish the fire.
Captain Monahan said the police officer explained outdoor fires need to be contained in a controlled area with supervision. The boy was released to his parents, who responded to the scene.