Theft, a stabbing and vandalism top the blotter

DAILY SOUND STAFF REPORT

A stolen payphone, a stabbing, and a brick through a window are among recent calls taken by Santa Barbara police, along with several calls for felony vandalism.

April 1, 9 p.m. — Witnesses reported seeing a man decked out in black gear from head to toe, including a facemask, drive up to a payphone at 1298 Coast Village Rd. The man reportedly drilled the phone off its stand, put it in his gray Dodge van and drove south on N. Jameson Road. The suspect is wanted by authorities for grand theft.

April 1, 10:25 p.m. — An unknown assailant stabbed a 25-year-old local woman in front of the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion at 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Authorities said the incident is still under investigation, but it appears to be random and not gang-related. The woman was treated and released from the hospital. No arrests have been made.

April 2, 10:30 p.m. — Unknown suspects threw a brick through the window of an apartment in the 600 block of Eucalyptus Avenue. The resident, a 24-year-old Santa Barbara City College student, told police the brick was covered with handwritten gang messages.

April 3, 8:17 p.m. — Authorities spotted a 24-year-old man on the passenger seat of a motorcycle without a helmet in violation of the law. The man told police he did not have identification, instead providing a false name that failed to match any records. As officers transported the suspect to the station for identification, they noticed him squirming in the backseat. Once inside the station, police asked him to remove his shoes and spotted several shards of glass fall out. Authorities said the glass was black in color, consistent with the burned end of a crack pipe. Officers found more glass in the rear of the squad car, leading them to believe the 24-year-old had attempted to destroy evidence. Police placed the man under arrest for providing a false identity, resisting arrest and destroying evidence.

April 5, 12:42 a.m. — Police responded to reports of a reckless driver who failed to yield at stop signs and drove up onto the curb. By the time officers caught up to the suspect, a 32-year-old man, he had fallen asleep in his car, parked at RadioShack, 3218 State St. After he woke up and stepped out of his car, the man seemed unable to maintain his balance, slurred his speech and could not form a coherent sentence. Officers began conducting field sobriety tests but stopped for the suspect’s safety due to his inability to remain on his feet. Authorities did not note a smell of alcohol, leading them to believe the suspect was under the influence of narcotics. Officers booked the man on suspicion of DUI and probation violations.

April 5, 9:25 a.m. — Police arrived at a home in the 900 block of Barcelona Drive after receiving reports of an out-of-control woman throwing and breaking things. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect being restrained by a man and woman. As police took control of her, the 26-year-old woman began making spontaneous statements in various languages and appeared unable to focus. One witness told authorities he woke up to the woman choking him so hard he couldn’t breathe. After he pushed her hands away, she began flailing her arms, punching and slapping him. She then headed to the living room and broke multiple items, causing an estimated $420 in damage. Police booked her on $20,000 bail for felony vandalism.

April 5, 3:44 p.m. — Authorities responded to the corner of Garden Street and Cabrillo Boulevard after witnesses reported seeing a man vandalize a local business. Witnesses told police they spotted the suspect, a 29-year-old Oxnard man, spraying black paint on the Sambo’s Restaurant sign at 216 W. Cabrillo Blvd. They confronted the suspect and followed him until police arrived. Officers noted the man had black paint on his fingers. He admitted to police that he blacked out the “b” and “o” on the sign as a political statement. Authorities booked him on $20,000 bail for felony vandalism.

April 6, 12:20 a.m. — Officers on patrol along State Street noticed a disc jockey and people dancing inside Brick’s Café, 509 State Street. A records check revealed the establishment did not have a dance permit. Authorities contacted the owner, who said he is in the process of getting a dance permit. He told police the manager had organized dancing without his permission. After making sure the dancing had ceased, officers let the owner off with a warning.