Last night, a contestant on the popular game show This is Jeopardy! spent his interview time on the show talking about the COURIER's Police Blotter.
This week is Kid's Week on Jeopardy! featuring contestants in the 12-year-old age range. Host Alex Trebek asked contestant Ethan from Woodland Hills what he likes to read. Ethan explained how his grandmother lives in Claremont and he enjoys reading the "Claremont Police Blotter" when he comes to town to visit her. He said he likes reading about the strange crimes people get involved in and finds it entertaining.
Thanks Ethan for the nice plug for the COURIER on national TV.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
More info on last week's high speed chase
For those following the news about the high speed chase on Base Line Road, here's a bit of background information.
Last Tuesday morning, a Claremont police officer attempted to pull over a silver BMW on Base Line Road near Padua Avenue for not having a license plate. The officer was not aware at the time that the car had been stolen. Rather than pulling over, the driver sped off, heading eastbound on Base Line.
At Benson Avenue in Upland, the driver ran a red light and crashed into 2 vehicles, killing one man and injuring another. One witness said the car was moving about 55 miles per hour at the time of the collision.
The man who died as a result of the crash had strong ties to Claremont and people in the city. William Blanchard, 76, grew up in the famous Gumby house in Claremont, attended Webb School and graduated from Pomona College. His father was a music professor at Pomona for many years.
The driver is Brett Fagan, 25, of Covina. He is being held at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
According to Kenneth Ford, Chief Deputy Regional for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Fagan was released from prison on June 2 after serving most of his 2-year sentence for a previous auto theft. He was not a part of California's controversial early release program.
He was on parole and in violation of his parole at the time of the accident, police said. Fagan faces charges that include murder, auto theft and felony evasion of police.
A memorial service will be held this Saturday for Blanchard beginning at 11:15 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Upland. The church is located at 262 N. Euclid Ave.
Last Tuesday morning, a Claremont police officer attempted to pull over a silver BMW on Base Line Road near Padua Avenue for not having a license plate. The officer was not aware at the time that the car had been stolen. Rather than pulling over, the driver sped off, heading eastbound on Base Line.
At Benson Avenue in Upland, the driver ran a red light and crashed into 2 vehicles, killing one man and injuring another. One witness said the car was moving about 55 miles per hour at the time of the collision.
The man who died as a result of the crash had strong ties to Claremont and people in the city. William Blanchard, 76, grew up in the famous Gumby house in Claremont, attended Webb School and graduated from Pomona College. His father was a music professor at Pomona for many years.
The driver is Brett Fagan, 25, of Covina. He is being held at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
According to Kenneth Ford, Chief Deputy Regional for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Fagan was released from prison on June 2 after serving most of his 2-year sentence for a previous auto theft. He was not a part of California's controversial early release program.
He was on parole and in violation of his parole at the time of the accident, police said. Fagan faces charges that include murder, auto theft and felony evasion of police.
A memorial service will be held this Saturday for Blanchard beginning at 11:15 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Upland. The church is located at 262 N. Euclid Ave.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Claremont man accused of weapon's smuggling
First there was the donut shop ivory smugglers. Now Claremont has another accused smuggler, this time in heavy weaponry.
Joseph O'Toole, 79, is accused by federal prosecutors in Florida of attempting to broker a deal that would send as many as 2000 AK-47s to Somalia, a country with a UN-imposed arms embargo since 1992.
Today, Somalia is known for its lawlessness that has allowed piracy to flourish in the waters off its coast.
O'Toole and a co-conspirator, Israeli national Chanoch Miller, were both arrested in June in Florida. According to the indictment, the men unknowingly communicated their flight and payment plans for the weapons deal with an undercover agent from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Many in the community know O'Toole as a friendly man who is active and involved in the community. He ran for city council in 1997 and has been a vocal opponent of the Base Line affordable housing project in recent years. I even wrote about O'Toole a couple months back on an unrelated topic here.
His arraignment hearing is tentatively scheduled for July 9 in Ft. Lauderdale. A more detailed report of Mr. O'Toole's alleged crimes will appear in Saturday's edition of the COURIER.
Joseph O'Toole, 79, is accused by federal prosecutors in Florida of attempting to broker a deal that would send as many as 2000 AK-47s to Somalia, a country with a UN-imposed arms embargo since 1992.
Today, Somalia is known for its lawlessness that has allowed piracy to flourish in the waters off its coast.
O'Toole and a co-conspirator, Israeli national Chanoch Miller, were both arrested in June in Florida. According to the indictment, the men unknowingly communicated their flight and payment plans for the weapons deal with an undercover agent from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Many in the community know O'Toole as a friendly man who is active and involved in the community. He ran for city council in 1997 and has been a vocal opponent of the Base Line affordable housing project in recent years. I even wrote about O'Toole a couple months back on an unrelated topic here.
His arraignment hearing is tentatively scheduled for July 9 in Ft. Lauderdale. A more detailed report of Mr. O'Toole's alleged crimes will appear in Saturday's edition of the COURIER.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Suspected bank robber arrested
Police officials in Orange County have arrested a man they believe robbed the Citibank in the Old School House last month.
Erik von Holland, 47, was arrested earlier this week at his home in Brea on suspicious of robbing the Citibank and 3 other banks in Orange County, according to Claremont police.
Called the "100s and armed bandit" by law enforcement, Mr. Holland was identified through surveillance photographs taken of him during the heists. He wore baseball hats during the robberies but otherwise did not conceal his appearance.
Mr. Holland was identified by the Tustin Police Department while police were showing surveillance photos to Orange County Parole Agents. A parole agent recognized the suspect and provided a name to police.
He was arrested by Orange and Fullerton police officials at his residence. The involved agencies are working with FBI with the intent of filing multiple federal counts of bank robbery.
The Claremont robbery took place on Friday, May 21.
Erik von Holland, 47, was arrested earlier this week at his home in Brea on suspicious of robbing the Citibank and 3 other banks in Orange County, according to Claremont police.
Called the "100s and armed bandit" by law enforcement, Mr. Holland was identified through surveillance photographs taken of him during the heists. He wore baseball hats during the robberies but otherwise did not conceal his appearance.
Mr. Holland was identified by the Tustin Police Department while police were showing surveillance photos to Orange County Parole Agents. A parole agent recognized the suspect and provided a name to police.
He was arrested by Orange and Fullerton police officials at his residence. The involved agencies are working with FBI with the intent of filing multiple federal counts of bank robbery.
The Claremont robbery took place on Friday, May 21.
Don't forget to vote
Yes another election day is upon us. Be sure to head out to the polls and cast your ballots.
If you recently moved or don't know where to vote, you can look it up by your address at LA County's Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website.
Check back here for election news updates. I'll post information on election results as soon as they become available.
If you recently moved or don't know where to vote, you can look it up by your address at LA County's Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website.
Check back here for election news updates. I'll post information on election results as soon as they become available.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Open casting at Piano Piano tonight
Can you sing along to every top 40 hit played on the radio? If so, there's an open audition tonight at Piano Piano by the Double Tree Hotel.
The reality TV show "Don’t Forget The Lyrics" will host an open casting at the popular hangout from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. See below for more information.
We are looking for fun and interesting contestants who know the lyrics to the biggest hit songs of all time. You must be knowledgeable of song lyrics and willing to sing your heart out!
Whether you’re young or old, like Motown or Country, we are looking for all types. The songs are TOP 40 hits, ranging from the 60’s to present day.
If you love to sing, and want the chance to win
THOUSANDS of dollars, then we want to see you!"
For more information about the show, check out our website: www.dftl.tv
PIANO PIANO DUELING PIANO SHOW
DOUBLETREE HOTEL CLAREMONT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2nd
FROM: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
http://duelingpianopiano.com/
RockStar Karaoke will keep the party going until 1a.m.!
For those who haven't been there yet, here's a video of what to expect at Piano Piano.
The reality TV show "Don’t Forget The Lyrics" will host an open casting at the popular hangout from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. See below for more information.
We are looking for fun and interesting contestants who know the lyrics to the biggest hit songs of all time. You must be knowledgeable of song lyrics and willing to sing your heart out!
Whether you’re young or old, like Motown or Country, we are looking for all types. The songs are TOP 40 hits, ranging from the 60’s to present day.
If you love to sing, and want the chance to win
THOUSANDS of dollars, then we want to see you!"
For more information about the show, check out our website: www.dftl.tv
PIANO PIANO DUELING PIANO SHOW
DOUBLETREE HOTEL CLAREMONT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2nd
FROM: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
http://duelingpianopiano.com/
RockStar Karaoke will keep the party going until 1a.m.!
For those who haven't been there yet, here's a video of what to expect at Piano Piano.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Robber photos released
Police have released the following photos of the suspected bank robber who stole an undisclosed amount of cash from Citibank in the Old School House.
On Friday, May 21, the man pictured below walked into the bank and handed the teller a note stating, "I'm armed. Remain calm and I will not hurt anyone." The robber asked the teller for $5000 in cash.
The FBI have dubbed the man "the 100s and armed bandit." He is also suspected in bank robberies in the cities of Orange and Santa Ana.
No weapon was seen during the robbery, but police say the man implied in the note that he was carrying a weapon.
Witnesses and police described the robber as a white male, late 30s to early 50s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, wearing a baseball cap, a button down dark green shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone who has information regarding the "$100s and armed bandit" can call the Los Angeles Federal Bureau of Investigation office at 310-477-6565 or the Claremont Police Department at 909-399-5401.
On Friday, May 21, the man pictured below walked into the bank and handed the teller a note stating, "I'm armed. Remain calm and I will not hurt anyone." The robber asked the teller for $5000 in cash.
The FBI have dubbed the man "the 100s and armed bandit." He is also suspected in bank robberies in the cities of Orange and Santa Ana.
No weapon was seen during the robbery, but police say the man implied in the note that he was carrying a weapon.
Witnesses and police described the robber as a white male, late 30s to early 50s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, wearing a baseball cap, a button down dark green shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone who has information regarding the "$100s and armed bandit" can call the Los Angeles Federal Bureau of Investigation office at 310-477-6565 or the Claremont Police Department at 909-399-5401.
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