News

Last night around 10:30 PM, three teenaged boys loitered in front of a home of someone they do not know, peered into the window of a truck parked across the street, then dumped a bicycle in an area somewhat out of view of the street when running away from the scene. It was all caught on video via a surveillance camera system.

It appears that one subject looked inside the truck while the other two acted as look-outs. After a half minute or so, the three teens huddled, and then it appears they were frightened by something or someone because they ran west on Cafaro Circle.

This incident should serve as a cautionary reminder to everyone in our neighborhood to remain vigilant in reporting all suspicious activity to Sacramento Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch line: 916/264-5471. North Area Capt. Daniel Hahn even reinforced this in a recent e-mail update to the community: “Remember to call in ALL suspicious activity — even if you feel you are over-reacting. There have been some great examples of concerned citizens calling suspicious activity in and good results coming from it.”

The bicycle is in the process of being turned over to the police department as probable stolen property. If you or someone you know had a bicycle stolen in the area recently, make sure the theft is reported to the police department, then contact us with a detailed description of the bike and the police report number.

If you know or think you know the identity of the subjects in this incident, please contact Sacramento Police Department.

Prowling Trio

Checking out the truck across the street

Dumping the (stolen?) bicycle while running away

From today’s Natomas Update e-mail from Sacramento Police Department’s Capt. Hahn:

(120007) 4/22/09 @ 1:52 am, 3320 Witter Wy (Sump 17), Citations, Gateway West
A concerned citizen called in regarding 6-7 subjects up at Sump 17 late at night wearing hoodies. Officer Hanson and Nezik responded and detained 6 juveniles. They were all cited for being in the park after dark and one was cited for possessing marijuana. They were transported home. Great job in calling in suspicious activity at this location that has had issues in the past – Keep it up!!

We asked for further information about this latest catch, and Officer Hanson provided the following:

I was the initial officer on scene. I actually snuck up on the suspects and was able to observe them prior to them ever realizing I was there. The suspects were only there to smoke marijuana, no vandalism or other criminal actions intended.

Additionally, all of the subjects were from Natomas, but quite spread out. None of them lived in the Witter Ranch Community Association boundaries, but some were within a very reasonable distance . . . As I understood from talking to the suspects, they chose this park because it was visible from the road (making it a possible choice because it is fresh in their mind), somewhat secluded, and due to the fact that they would not be in danger of being a victim of a violent crime at that location. As discouraging as it is to hear that suspects are committing crimes in your park, it was encouraging to hear that part of the reason is because they know the park is safe.

None of the suspects were affiliated to any gang. I am actually very interested in gang activity and gang affiliation, so I am always looking for any possible nexus between suspects I contact and gang involvement. None of these individuals had any obvious association with any gang set (or affiliation on record). I asked some specific questions and looked for some particular items/paraphernalia/colors and did not notice anything to lead me to believe that gang activity was occurring.

Additionally, only two of the six suspects were minors. The two minors were transported home and delivered to their parent. None of the youth had any major criminal involvement in the Sacramento area. A few of the suspects had no criminal record at all within the city.

All suspects were cited for loitering in a park after hours. One suspect was cited for misdemeanor possession of marijuana (less than an ounce).

The suspects who were not transported home arrived in a single vehicle. I actually followed the vehicle out of the neighborhood, assuring that it would not become an issue again that morning. . .

Indeed, this is encouraging news on a number of levels. First and foremost, we have another example of how our community is extremely diligent about protecting our neighborhoods and our park resources. We also have another example of the responsiveness of our police department, particularly the very proactive graveyard shift teams. Finally, we have feedback from the people who were caught in the park that they chose the site because they themselves feel safe there.

We also delivered a strong message to these guys — Stay out of our neighborhoods and our parks after dark, and quit smoking weed in our parks. We’re watching and we will not hesitate to contact our police department to enforce the law.

Updated April 21, 2009 @ 4:45 PM

Subject: Natomas Update 4/21/09
From: “Daniel Hahn”
Date: Tue, April 21, 2009 3:48 pm
To: “Daniel Hahn”

(117776), 4/20/09 @ 8:40 am, Sparrow/Natomas Crossing, Attempt Abduction **UPDATE**
After further investigation we have determined the victim’s story was false and no Attempted Abduction occurred after all. We are no longer looking for the truck and suspect the victim described to us yesterday.

Thank you to everyone that was keeping their eye out for the possible truck and suspect.

Captain Daniel Hahn
Sacramento Police Department
Patrol Division – North Command
3550 Marysville Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95838
(916) 566-6401
dhahn@pd.cityofsacramento.org

Official Press Release

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The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects from two unrelated bank robberies, according to a press release they released today.

On Sunday, April 5, 2009, Suspect #1 entered the Bel Air Market (located at 3250 Arena Boulevard) and proceeded to the Tri-Counties Bank (located inside the market). Suspect #1 approached the bank teller, displayed a note and demanded money. The suspect handed the teller a brown paper bag in which cash was placed. He then fled on foot.

The suspect is described as caucasian, 5’ 10” tall, and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He had brown hair, a goatee, and was wearing a tan dress shirt, tie, dark pants, and dark gloves.

On Saturday, April 11, 2009, Suspect #2 entered the Wells Fargo Bank located at 3220 Arena Boulevard and approached a bank teller. The suspect handed the teller a note. Before the teller handed over money, the suspect became startled and fled. He was seen leaving the area in a 2003 or newer Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep was white with a black hardtop. It had oversized tires, chrome rims, and was lifted.

Suspect #2 is described as caucasian, 22-29 years-old, 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 300 pounds. He had reddish hair and a goatee. He was wearing a gray camouflaged baseball hat, black jeans and a t-shirt with “Saint Joseph Basketball” written on the front.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to these crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.