Weekly Crime Report

Cops Target Gangs, Arrest 26

LA MESA -- The weekly highlights from the La Mesa police this week include a gang sweep that produced some impressive numbers.

Police are also warning motorists to be watchful now that schools are out and pedestrians are more ubiquitous.

Case Highlights:
The Special Enforcement Detail, a special unit that targets gangs, drug dealers, and specific criminal series, last month arrested 26 persons, executed 4 search warrants, and seized the following: 2 guns, over $20,000 dollars in drug sales cash, 7 ½ ounces of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of marijuana, and 2.2 ounces of heroin.
On Friday, June 8, La Mesa Police officers were involved in 2 separate incidents that originated at the Heritage Inn on Fletcher Parkway. In the first incident, officers located a stolen vehicle in the parking lot and pursued it to the area of Campo and Bancroft. The driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and heroin and was arrested for Auto Theft, Evading a Police Officer, and Drug Possession. In the second incident, officers observed 2 subjects in a vehicle possibly casing the parking lot. A pursuit ensued and the driver and passenger were taken into custody on Market Street in San Diego. Both men were arrested for various charges including Evading a Police Officer, Drug Possession and several felony warrants.
Traffic Information:
During the summer school break there tends to be more pedestrians of a younger age out on our streets. Please be cognizant of them as you drive around town. This first week of the break there will be extra officers out, some on bicycle patrol, to ensure that the pedestrians also adhere to the traffic laws. At the Tuesday’s Council meeting the La Mesa City Council will review the request for the start of the 2012 “Back to the 50’s” weekly car show event in the downtown area on Thursday evenings. The car show will have a potential start date of this Thursday, June 14, 2012. La Mesa Police Officers will be patrolling the car show event thru the 2012 season to ensure participants and visitors stay safe.
Crime Prevention/Emergency Preparedness:
As you work in your yard this summer, take some time to do a little extra pruning to eliminate possible hiding spots. Keep shrubs trimmed below three feet and trees trimmed up to six feet. Walk around your yard after dark and cut back foliage that blocks light fixtures. Lighting should be consistent to reduce contrast between shadows and illuminated areas. For residential security questions, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 619.667.7545.
Clear dead or dry foliage and clippings out of your yard to prevent the spread of a fire. Stack firewood and scrap wood piles at least 50 feet from any structure and clear away any combustible vegetation within 10 feet of the piles. Check and clean your roofs and gutters on all structures several times during the spring, summer and fall to remove debris that can easily ignite from a spark. For more information on fire prevention, visit www.heartlandfire.org.
Department Information:
La Mesa PD and El Cajon PD will be hosting the Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop fundraiser for the Special Olympics this Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 5:00-9:00 PM at Hooley’s in Grossmont Center. Please tell your friends and family to stop by and help support this great cause.

Help solve a cold Homicide case: http://www.cityoflamesa.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2487