Crime News
Two arrested for using fake press passes to enter palisades fire evacuation zone

LOS ANGELES, California — Two individuals were arrested by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers for using forged press passes to unlawfully enter an evacuation zone during the Palisades Fire. The arrests occurred at separate road closures, according to a statement from the CHP West Valley Area.
Officers noticed the individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior while using what appeared to be Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) press passes. With assistance from the LASD, it was confirmed that the press passes were forged.
Additional fake press passes were found in their possession, and both individuals were transported to LASD Lost Hills Jail for booking.These arrests underscore the collaboration between CHP and LASD in securing communities affected by wildfires.
“Criminal activity including unlawful entry into an evacuation zone, forging press passes, and looting will not be tolerated,” stated the source.
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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