Police handle narcotics, vandalism, break-in

DAILY SOUND STAFF REPORT

Santa Barbara police handled narcotics investigations, vandalism to a squad car, a break-in at a local clothing store, and an intoxicated woman talking to a bush, among other incidents in recent days.

March 7, 4:45 p.m. — Santa Barbara police officers on patrol in the 900 block of San Andres Street noticed a man walking out of an apartment complex, appearing to conceal something in his pants. Another man whistled to him and the two met and chatted. After another whistle, a car pulled into a nearby parking lot and both men walked over and entered the vehicle. Based on previous investigations and information from a confidential informant, the officers suspected a narcotics transaction was taking place and approached the car. In the back seat, they discovered 235 grams of cocaine worth an estimated $4,000. All three suspects, aged 22, 25 and 28, were booked and held on $30,000 bail.

March 8, 5:30 p.m. — A 27-year-old known transient and his wife approached a 20-year-old man in the 200 block of South Milpas Street, demanding money. After taking $70 from the victim’s hand, the suspect fled on foot. When the victim followed and asked for his money back, the suspect took a fighting stance and threatened to attack the victim. After following him at a distance for some time and receiving repeated threats, the victim walked in the other direction. He eventually contacted police, who tracked down and arrested the suspect.

March 8, 7:23 p.m. — During an officer’s shift, an unknown suspect scratched an obscenity onto the hood of his Ford Crown Victoria squad car, along with the letter “U” on the left front fender. The officer photographed the vandalism and requested repairs. Damage is estimated at $300.

March 9, 3:14 a.m. — An unknown suspect threatened a 25-year-old Port Hueneme woman as she dined at the Jack in the Box at 501 N. Milpas St. The victim reported the suspect threatened to shoot her before brandishing what she believed to be a silver handgun.

March 9, 3:59 a.m. — Officers responded to the Old Navy at 1137 State St. after receiving reports of an audible alarm. An initial investigation revealed one of the front entry doors along State Street had been forced open, splintering the top of the door. A search of the entire building failed to turn up any suspects and no contents appeared to be in disarray or damaged. Officers secured the door after the alarm company was unable to reach a store manager or responsible party.

March 9, 2:20 p.m. — Police spotted a 47-year-old woman sitting near the Highway 101 north offramp near the Milpas Street roundabout, apparently talking to a bush. When officers approached the woman and asked whom she was talking to, she pointed to the bush. After noting a moderate odor of alcohol, glassy eyes and slurred, mostly unintelligible speech, police attempted to take the woman into custody for public intoxication. Once she realized she was under arrest, she began struggling. En route to the jail, she became verbally abusive toward the arresting officer, shouting obscenities and pounding her forehead on the glass divider.

March 9, 2:30 p.m. — A 40-year-old man entered Crown Liquor at 2 N. Milpas St. and was spotted by the storeowner taking two pairs of sunglasses from a display rack and putting them in his pocket. After the man left the store without paying for the items, the owner contacted police. A review of the surveillance footage confirmed the theft. Officers left the store and spotted the suspect nearby with two pairs of sunglasses in his hands. When asked where he got them, the man said his “friend Dave” gave them to him. After being told about the video surveillance, he admitted to stealing the sunglasses. A background check of the suspect revealed a history of petty theft and burglary. Police booked the man on $20,000 bail for petty theft with priors.