Crime News
Eight charged in los angeles wildfires for arson and looting

LOS ANGELES, California — Eight individuals face charges for alleged crimes during Los Angeles County’s wildfires, including arson and looting, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The incidents occurred in several cities, including South Gate and Malibu.
Luis Felipe Gudino, a 27-year-old from South Gate, California, is charged with felony arson during a state of emergency. He allegedly ignited a couch, causing a fire that damaged a utility pole and an apartment building. Gudino is held on $350,000 bail and faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, according to the South Gate Police Department.
Richard Alexander Peterson, a 35-year-old from South Gate, California, faces a third strike sentence for allegedly setting a Christmas tree on fire outside a motel. He is held on $1,350,000 bail and could face 25 years to life in prison, stated the South Gate Police Department.
Omar Lopez, a 34-year-old from Huntington Park, California, is charged with two counts of felony arson. He allegedly set fire to a Christmas tree and a larger tree in a courtyard. Lopez pleaded not guilty and is held on $350,000 bail, according to the Huntington Park Police Department.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized accountability, stating, “To anyone who believes they can use this disaster as a cover for criminal activity, let this be your warning: You will be caught, and you will be held accountable.”
Crime News
San francisco man faces felony theft charges after shoplifting in colma

A suspected thief gave police officers his brother’s name during arrest, according to the Colma Police Department.
At 4:35 p.m. on Jan. 10, Colma police officers responded to a store on Colma Boulevard for the report of a theft. Police dispatch was informed that a man took multiple items and fled the store on foot.
Responding officers detained a man who matched the suspect’s description. The man was later identified as San Francisco resident Marcus Montalvo. After store employees identified the suspect, he was arrested.
According to police, Montalvo, 38, gave his brother’s name as identification.
Police learned Montalvo’s actual name, officers discovered he has a $40,000 misdemeanor warrant for his arrest from a neighboring agency. Montalvo also has two prior theft convictions that occurred more than 16 years prior to this theft.
Colma PD said Montalvo shoplifted approximately $217.02 worth of merchandise. In searching Montalvo, officers said they found a California license not belonging to Montalvo.
Montalvo was arrested and booked in the San Mateo County Jail for felony theft with priors, shoplifting, giving false identification to police officers, misappropriation of found property, and his warrant.
Crime News
San francisco sees major crime drop: 601 arrests and 73 firearms seized in 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, California — The San Francisco Police Department’s Citywide Plainclothes team made 601 felony arrests and seized 73 firearms in 2024, contributing to a significant drop in crime, Chief Bill Scott announced Thursday.The Citywide Plainclothes team, composed of officers in street clothes, focuses on challenging crimes such as auto burglaries, drug dealing, retail theft, and violent crime, according to the San Francisco Police Department.
These officers collaborate with investigations bureaus, uniformed patrol officers, analysts, and drone operators. In 2023, the unit made 500 arrests and seized 60 firearms, marking an increase in 2024. The department credits new technologies like Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) and drones for assisting officers in their operations.
The team’s efforts continue into 2025, with a notable incident on January 14, when officers used an ALPR hit to track a stolen Acura in the South of Market neighborhood. The officers deployed a tire deflation device and arrested two occupants on charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary tools, and methamphetamine.
The increase in arrests coincided with a significant drop in crime in San Francisco, with the homicide rate at its lowest since 1960 and property crimes like auto burglaries decreasing by 54%. Overall, crime was the lowest in 20 years.
“Our Citywide Plainclothes officers are working harder than ever and doing a fantastic job making important arrests to keep our city safe,” Chief Scott said. “With new technologies like ALPR and drones, our officers are empowered like never before. I want to thank them for their tremendous work.”
Crime News
San diego woman struck and killed by pickup truck in hit-and-run

SAN DIEGO — A female pedestrian was struck and killed by a pickup truck in Clairemont Friday evening and the driver fled.
The collision occurred at 9:02 p.m. near the intersection of Genesee Avenue and Mount Etna Drive, San Diego Police Department Officer Anthony Carrasco told City News Service.
Responding police officers found the pedestrian lying in the street. She was taken by paramedics to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Carrasco said camera footage showed a dark-colored pickup truck driving away from the scene without stopping. Police ask anyone who witnessed the collision to call 619-231-2900.
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