e-Press

Tuesday, January 6, 2008

Police Seek Armed Robbery Suspect
LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ - Police in Lake Havasu City are asking for the public’s help in finding an armed robbery suspect who apparently confronted three groups of victims over the weekend.
"At approximately 10pm Saturday, the lone suspect reportedly entered an open door to an apartment in the 2300 block of McCulloch Boulevard, pointed a gun at the three occupants and demanded money," Lieutenant Richie Sloma said. The victims turned over approximately $25 and the suspect fled in an unknown direction -- the victims told officers he fled in a gray colored SUV.
Some 25 minutes later, officers were responded to a second armed robbery report at an apartment on Kearsage Drive. "In this occurrence, the suspect reportedly knocked on an apartment door and forced his way in when the door was answered," Sloma said. "He then allegedly pointed a weapon, ordered the four juveniles inside to sit down, and demanded money and property." The victims reported they had no money but handed over a cell phone and several bottles of beer. Sloma added that "the suspect allegedly struck a male juvenile in the face with an open hand and demanded, 'Remember my face.' He also ordered the victims at gunpoint to find more alcohol." However, before the residents could comply with his demand, the suspect reportedly left the property.
"The stolen cell phone was recovered during the investigation and is being sent to the DPS Crime Lab for processing," Sloma noted.
The third call came in at around 11:10pm from an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Anacapa Drive, where police say the suspect confronted a woman in her vehicle.
"The victim reported the suspect pointed his gun at the woman and demanded money," Sloma said. After she handed over $40 to the suspect, he reportedly contacted a man and woman walking through the parking lot -- but they refused to meet the suspect’s demands and he took off on foot heading southwest.
Sloma says the suspect (in all three crimes) is described as a white or light skinned Hispanic male, about 5'8" or 5'9", weighing between 150 and 160 pounds. He is between 19 and 22 years old, with severe acne and pock marks. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black jeans and may also have been wearing a black ball cap. The gun is believed to be a small-framed .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. It is described as blued and chrome.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately, or Lieutenant Sloma at 680-5420. Residents should not attempt to approach this suspect -- he is considered armed and dangerous.

Two Teens Charged In String Of Burglaries
LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ - Police in Lake Havasu City have arrested two 17-year old male juveniles and charged them with seven felony counts each in relation to a rash of burglaries in Lake Havasu City last week.
Just after 5pm last Friday, officers arrived at a home in the 1400 block of Sunrise Drive, after a resident "observed the suspects enter a residence," Lieutenant Richie Sloma said. He added that "the citizen held the suspects until police arrived."
Upon further investigation, detectives believe the suspects committed two similar crimes in the area and two others in the 1500 block of Sea Angler Drive. "The suspects had entered unoccupied vacation homes through windows and removed property including television sets," Sloma said.
Both juveniles were arrested and charged with five counts of residential burglary, one count each of 1st degree trespass, criminal damage and two counts of misdemeanor theft. Sloma said one of the teens was released to an adult after being referred to juvenile authorities and the other was taken to Kingman's Juvenile Detention Facility.
A third juvenile, a 16-year old female, was charged with one count of first degree trespass when police also found her at the property of the home on Sunrise Drive.

"Little Delbert Days" Returns
LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ - The Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation Department, radio station KJJJ and the Friends of the Fair are presenting the sixth annual “Little Delbert Days,” scheduled for Saturday, January 17 at S.A.R.A. Park. Gates are open from 10am to 4pm and admission is free to the public.
This year, activities include “The Kid Fiddlers,” mutton bustin’, a goat ribbon pull, calf riding, pony rides, mechanical bull rides, a petting zoo, Cook’s pig race and "Wagons Ho! Mud Pit Challenge." There's also live music, a variety of contests and more.
This annual event gives youngsters an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a real cowboy or cowgirl for a day. Pre-registration is required for the mutton bustin’, goat ribbon pull and calf riding events. Interested contestants can register at the Havasu Aquatic Center. Fees are $10 for the goat ribbon pull and $15 for mutton bustin’ and calf riding, with age and weight restrictions strictly enforced. Registration will be accepted through Thursday, January 15 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Organizers of the event say the success of “Little Delbert Days” depends on community support. Cash donations, in-kind services, and/or donated products are being accepted at the Parks and Recreation Office inside the Aquatic Center. Checks should be made out to “Little Delbert Days.”
For more information, contact Janice Brown at 453-8686.

Saturday Fire Claims A Dog, Two Cats
BULLHEAD CITY, AZ - This past Saturday at around 7:20am, three engine companies from the Bullhead City Fire Department and two rescue ambulances went to the scene of a house fire at 1404 Luna Lane. Battalion Chief Craig Stephenson reported that an off-duty firefighter arrived at the home and tried to determine if anyone was home.
"Arriving firefighters found a working fire in a single wide mobile home with an add-on," Stephenson said. "Fire was to the front of the mobile as well as under the floor." Stephenson added that nobody was home at the time of the incident, and although firefighters were able to save four dogs and three cats from the home, a dog and two cats did not survive.
Fire Investigator John Jones was called to the scene and said the blaze was suspicious in origin. Stephenson estimated the loss of the home and its contents was around $80,000.