3rd man still sought by deputies

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – A Hemet resident, a suspect in a brazen robbery at a Chino Hills residence in April was arrested Wednesday, while another man from Perris was already in custody.

Deonta Simuel, 18, of Hemet, was arraigned on robbery charges Thursday in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court after he had been arrested the previous day, according to online court records. He plead not guilty to two counts of robbery during video arraignment proceedings. He is scheduled to return to court May 8 to begin the trial.

A third man is still being sought by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies.

The Chino Hills victims had just arrived home about 7:40 p.m.  on April 19 in the 13000 block of Misty Meadow Court, when three men walked up, forcefully took the residents’ belongings and ran away from the residence, according to a sheriff’s news release.

One of the victims chased the men as they headed for a vehicle, a black Hyundai Accent hatchback driven by the third unknown man. Steven Stephon Williams, 22, of Perris, could not get inside of the car before it fled. He was found and arrested by responding sheriff’s deputies.

Detectives and deputies on the sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail in Chino Hills, conducted several days of surveillance investigation were able to identifiy Simuel as the second suspect in the robbery, the news release stated.

Williams and Simuel are being held on suspicion of robbery at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Simuel is being held in lieu of $350,000 bail.

Online court records show that on April 24, Williams plead not guilty to two counts of robbery as well as an allegation and enhancement for having a prior felony conviction during his arraignment in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. He is being held in lieu of $450,000 bail and is due back in court June 19.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the robbery can call Detective Seybert at the Chino Hills sheriff’s station at 909-364-2026. To remain anonymous, call the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME (27463) or visit the website at www.wetip.com.

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – A 29 year old Perris man faces 140 years in state prison when he is sentenced in June for sexually abusing two children over an eight-year span in Chino and Perris, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorneys’ office.

A jury of his peers convicted Alberto Ray Chavez, 29, of multiple felony counts in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court on Thursday April 19, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

Chavez was convicted of one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child – sodomy, two counts of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child 10 years old or younger, three counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger, and two counts of committing a lewd act upon a child, according to a news release.

Sentencing for Chavez will be carried out on June 1 inside a West Valley Superior Courtroom in Rancho Cucamonga. Currently Chaves is being detained at West Valley Detention Center in the city of Rancho Cucamonga.

According to reports out of the Chino Police Department investigators were first alerted to the abuse on January 23, 2016. An investigation into the allegations was launched and Chavez was arrested and booked on February 3, 2016, on the 17500 block of Perris Boulevard in Moreno Valley.

It was determined by the investigating Detectives that Chavez sexually abused the victims over an eight year span on multiple occasions in Chino and Perris, according to Chino police. He pled not guilty to the charges in February 2016.

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Deputies were dispatched at 2:08 p.m. to a residence on the 12800 block of Sunburst Trail. They had received a report of a knife- wielding man fighting with his family members.

Chino Hills deputies arrested and jailed a 50-year-old man Saturday afternoon on suspicion of arming himself with two knives and threatening members of his family. It was reported that the family would not allow him to drive the family car.

It was reported that the male suspect was extremely angry with his family about being denied permission to drive the family vehicle. Although family members were able to disarm the suspect of two knives during the struggle and pin him down on the floor. The suspect was able to injure one of the family members hand with one of the knives before other family members were able to disarm the suspect.

The suspect, Ruther Chito Martinez, was booked on a $50,000 bond and taken into custody at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He was released from the jail at 12:07 p.m. on Sunday, according to jail records. He is facing a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon.

Chino Valley Fire District paramedics treated the injured person for the laceration, but they refused to be taken to the hospital. They told the police that they would go to the hospital on their own later.

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– The City of Chino Hills’ Community Services Department is looking for enthusiastic teens, ages 13 to 16 years old, to volunteer this summer. Volunteens, as they are referred to, will assist in the City’s Aquatics, Summer Day Camp, Mobile Recreation, and Special Events programs.

Applications for the Volunteen program will be available starting Monday, April 2nd  and will be available only until the first 80 applications are received. Applications will be available online at http://www.chinohills.org/Volunteens; at City Hall in the Community Services Office on the first floor, 14000 City Center Drive; and at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive. All completed applications MUST be submitted to the Community Services Department at City Hall. Of the 80 applications accepted, up to 40 teens will be selected for the program.

The summer 2018 program will begin the week of June 11th and end the week of August 6th. A mandatory training is scheduled for May 30th for selected applicants. Volunteens must be certified in First Aid and CPR prior to June 11th.  Kayla with the recreations department said, “call the Chino Valley Fire District for information on how to get your teen CPR certified.” Volunteens who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of appreciation, a letter of recommendation, and recognition at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.

For more information, please call (909) 364-2700.

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – The Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) of the Sheriff’s department and Chino Hills Police Department Deputies served a search warrant at a Chino Hills residence for the illegal cultivation of marijuana.

After Deputies from Chino Hills Police Department received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding suspicious activity going on at the residence an investigation was opened. Investigators found evidence of illegal marijuana cultivation.

Investigators served their search warrant and it and were rewarded for their efforts by finding over 1,200 healthy marijuana plants. There was also 25 pounds of processed marijuana confiscated from the scene.

As is the case in most of these crimes, evidence of utility theft was also found. The main power lines that belong to SCE were tampered with in a way that allows the theft of electricity. SCE   Personnel were dispatched to the scene to assist in the investigation and disconnect the electrical service at the residence. Stealing of utilities is illegal and will usually result in a fire at the incident location because of the nun-permitted methods used.

Several investigations have revealed that rental properties being used by tenants to illegally grow marijuana is a crime that is on the rise. Law enforcement officials encourage tenants and the homeowners to check with their local city code enforcement division or the law enforcement to verify if marijuana cultivation is allowed.

Generally speaking, large scale marijuana growing operations are against code in residential areas. The City of Chino Hills prohibits any type of marijuana businesses of any type. You can get more information about Chino Hills Marijuana Ordinance by going to http://www.library.municode.com/ca/chino_hills/code_of_ordinances

At this time no suspects have been identified. Anyone with information in reference to this investigation is urged to contact Sheriff’s Gangs Narcotics Sividion at 909-387-8400.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.wetip.com. Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs, Phone No. (909) 387-3700, DR: #651800127. ■

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills– For the first time in a while the federal government is raising costs on passports. If you have been planning that trip, don’t wait. Make an appointment today to apply for a passport at Chino Hills City Hall (14000 City Center Drive) on the second floor. Do it before the Passport Acceptance Fee increases on Monday, April 2, from $25 to $35.

“Spring is always a busy time at the City of Chino Hills Passport counter,” said Public Information Officer Denise Cattern. She added “So this year we enhanced our customer service efforts with an online appointment system”. Take advantage of the appointment system by calling the passport hotline at (909) 364-2607 to schedule your appointment. Appointments are available from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday; and from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday. Walk-in customers may apply for a passport from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If walk-in traffic exceeds the capacity for service, signage will be posted to inform customers.

It will help the process immensely if all passport customers come ready with a completed application and the necessary documentation at their scheduled appointment time or they will be required to reschedule the appointment for another day. Passport photo services are also offered. Only checks or money orders are acceptable forms of payment for passport services. The office does not process passport renewals. For additional information, please visit http://www.chinohills.org/Passports.

By Ariana Scott

Chino Hills – On February 22, 2018, a threat to the school was made by a juvenile young male, whose actions at the school were very violent, which was enough cause for a concerned citizen to talk to Chino Hills Police. The citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, had discovered a video made by a juvenile that showed his delinquent acts at school. Deputies viewed the video in which the juvenile was reciting a rap song. The rap song had students on edge. It included lyrics speaking about fighting with other students, and concluded with lyrics about shooting a specific school staff member of the Chino Valley Unified School District. Deputies immediately initiated an investigation and identified the juvenile. School officials have been made aware of the video and the seriousness of it. Deputies contacted the juvenile and his family at their home. There was a locked safe containing firearms at the location and do not know if he could have possibly had access to that safe.
The boy was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall. At this time, the Chino Hills Police Department has determined there are no additional threats and as of right now, everyone is safe.
Contact: Deputy M. Thompson or Detective Q. Holiday
Case #: 221800652
Anyone with information regarding threats to our schools is urged to contact Deputy M. Thompson or Detective Q. Holiday at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station at (909)364-2000. If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

For full details, https://local.nixle.com.

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – New California state legislature has changed and now crimes such as first degree burglary and battery with serious bodily injury will no longer be prosecuted as violent felonies. Police officials are saying that crime is exploding all over the state because criminals now know that they won’t be put in jail for those types of crimes. How does a criminal respond to these kinds of changes, they commit more violent crimes of course.

There will be a town hall type meeting held in the Chino Hills Community Center located at 14250 Peyton Drive on March 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It is encouraged for all citizens to come out to discuss how we can take back the community from the criminals. The new legislature tells you what the law can’t do but the Chino Hills Police Department will be in giving advice on what we can do with some crime prevention techniques and education. They will be talking about burglaries and package theft in Chino Hills and some preventative measures home owners can take to prepare themselves in a responsible manner. They will also discuss how to go about reporting a crime with WeTip.

Another topic of Conversation that the police will discuss at the meeting is the cannabis industry and the new laws. Specifically they will be talking about the cultivation of Marijuana as it relates to the legalization of it recreationally.

By Anthony Saude

On January 30, 2018 at approximately 8:00 p.m., Augustus Jamora, 37, a resident of Chino Hills assaulted a female victim at her Chino Hills residence. Jamora held a hand gun to the victim’s head and threatened to kill her. He then he physically assaulted the victim’s relative as they attempted to help the victim. Jamora fled the residence to an unknown location before Chino Hills officers arrived on the scene. Emergency Protective Orders were issued for the victims. There was a warrant requested and issued for Jamora’s arrest before the day was over.

The following day fueled by anger, Jamora returned to the victim’s residence and was brought his gun with him again. This time he was still on the premises when responding deputies arrived and surrounded the location. The deputies began evacuating nearby homes and businesses for safety purposes. Deputies conducted public announcements, requesting Jamora surrender peacefully, but he refused. Jamora barricaded himself inside the house for approximately one hour despite the attempts by the officers to end the standoff. He then attempted to escape through the back door of the residence. Jamora was quickly apprehended, arrested and taken into custody without any further incident.

Jamora was booked into the West Valley Detention Center. He was charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threats, and violation of an Emergency Retraining Order.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputy G. Livingston at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station at (909)364-2000. If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills– The Coroner’s office identified the victim who was fatally wounded by an allegedly intoxicated hit and run driver last Saturday night as Marinel Enriquez Ladores. Marinel a 17 year old senior at Ayala High School was scheduled to graduate in June of this year. A Go Fund me account in her name can be found at http://www.gofundme.com/marinel-ladores-funera-fund, had raised $8,703 for funeral expenses as of Friday night February 26.

Marinel was walking in the intersection of Chino Avenue and Peyton Drive in Chino Hills at 7:18 p.m. when she was struck by a vehicle, Deputy Brandon Steffler said. The victim was reported to be lying in the street unresponsive when deputies arrived at the scene. After Marinel was struck by the vehicle the driver fled the scene of the collision without stopping to render medical aid or even just to check on the injured victim.

Deputies were able to identify the driver as Talia Guadalupe Arias-Simenta, a 23 year old from Pomona. She was arrested at 9:32 p.m. on suspicion of drunken driving causing injury or death, driving with a blood-alcohol level higher than 0.08 causing injury or death, and felony hit-and-run causing injury or death. Jail records show that Arias-Simental was released on bail at 5:03 p.m. Monday January 29.

Arias was found driving a 2002 white pathfinder that had sustained recent, major front end damage, allegedly from the collision. Criminal charges are pending in this ongoing investigation. Any witnesses to the incident are being encouraged to report any information they might have. Call Deputy Steffler at 909-477-2800 or send an email tobsteffler@sbcsd.org. If you would prefer to stay anonymous you can call the We Tip Hotline at 800-782-7463.

By Anthony Saude

A pedestrian was killed last Saturday night, January 20, in Chino Hills when she was struck by a vehicle driven by an intoxicated 23 year old woman.

At around 7:20 p.m. Chino Hills deputies were dispatched to the intersection at Chino Avenue and Peyton Ave in response to a call reporting that a pedestrian had been hit by a car. When they arrived on the scene they found the unresponsive female victim lying in the street. The driver of the vehicle that struck the woman, fled the scene and did not stop to see if the victim was injured or if she was in need of medical attention. When the paramedics arrived they immediately transported the injured victim to a local hospital. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving at the hospital, the pedestrian succumbed to her injuries and she pronounced dead. The victim’s identity is not being released at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the deputies and investigators in their investigation they were able to quickly identify the driver of the suspect vehicle as Talia Guadalupe Arias-Guadalupe. She was driving a 2002 White Pathfinder and it had sustained major front end damage from the collision.

Deputies arrested Arias and she was charged with DUI with injuries, DUI with a Blood Alcohol over the legal limit of .08 and Hit and Run with injuries. She was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga and her bail was set at $100,000.00

There is still an ongoing investigation: investigators are attempting to locate any witnesses to the collision. Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to contact Deputy Brandon Steffler at 909-477-2800 or email him at bsteffler@sbscd.org. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at (800)782-7463, or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at http://www.wetip.com. Refer to Deputy Brandon Stffler at the Rancho Cucamonga Police Station.

Case# 221800266

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – On January 11 2018, at 2:53 pm, deputies from the Chino Hills Police Station were dispatched to the 15000 block of Avenida Del Monte after burglary in progress call from a resident. The resident said they saw six suspects enter their neighbor’s residence and called 911. It was reported that all 6 suspects were seen carrying property from the home and loading them into a white U-haul van. Then they drove off in the van. Deputies combed the area in search of the van and located a vehicle that matched the description given. The deputy attempted a routine traffic stop of the vehicle the suspects failed to yield. A car chase began and the deputies and California Highway Patrol pursued the vehicle all the way to La Mirada where the vehicle became disabled. During the pursuit the suspect’s vehicle caused several minor traffic collisions. No injuries were reported The six suspects, Arthur Ramirez, 37 from Los Angeles, Victor Luevanos Trejo, 21, Los Angeles, Mark Levy, 27, Alhambra, Levi Hernandez, 24, Los Angeles, Aaron Santibanez, 19, Los Angeles and a 16 year old female got out of the vehicle and ran. After a short pursuit they were apprehended with the assistance of Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies.

All six suspects were booked for Residential Burglary and Failure to yield.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Chino Hills Police Department or if you wish to remain anonymous you may call We-Tip at (800) 78-CRIME.

By Anthony Saude

It was Sunday morning, January 14, 2018, when at approximately 12:38 a.m., Chino Hills deputies were dispatched to investigate a suspicious person call from a citizen in the 13000 block of Monteverde Drive. When the deputies arrived, three male juveniles spotted the deputies and quickly fled from them. Deputies immediately set up a perimeter and initiated a search of the surrounding area and residences. Additional deputies and an airship from the Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division were dispatched to help conduct a thorough and complete search of the surrounding area. During the search two of the male juveniles were found hiding in the vegetation between two houses. A third male juvenile was found hiding in a nearby unreported stolen vehicle. All three juveniles were from Pasadena; they were arrested and taken into custody.

Further investigation led to evidence located at the scene that revealed the juveniles had committed a residential burglary and a vehicle theft in Pasadena that was unreported at the time of their arrest in Chino Hills. They drove the stolen vehicle to Chino Hills to in an apparent to commit another residential burglary.

If anybody has any additional information in relation to either of these incidents, you are urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 800 78-CRIME.

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – On December 29, 2017, at 2:00 a.m., a male suspect entered a gas station, in the 4000 Block of Chino Hills Parkway. While inside the business, the suspect brandished a handgun and pointed it at the clerk and demanded all the money he had in the cash register. The clerk turned over the money and the suspect immediately fled the building, jumped into a white Kia Optima and sped off. Law enforcement officers located the vehicle shortly after the robbery took place and initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle failed to pull over for the officers and a pursuit ensued. The officers pursued the vehicle until it  concluded in the city of Compton. Two male suspects got out of the vehicle and fled on foot away from the vehicle with the officers in pursuit. The suspects were apprehended and taken into custody without any resistance and were booked into West Valley Detention Center, jail records say.  The suspects were identified as William Vandegrift and Ricky Vaughn. The face charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime and felony parole violations.  Ongoing investigation has revealed both men may have been involved in multiple robberies within Los Angeles County and Orange County.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputy G. Livingston at the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station at (909) 364-2000.If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.
Refer to: Deputy Linvingston