When a School Resource Officer noticed a student was wearing badly tattered shoes, she spoke with district officials, who told her many other kids were in a similar situation. The officer spoke with co-workers, and together they began a fund raising effort to purchase shoes for kids in need.

With the goal of providing shoes and socks to 200 children, officers reached out to the community for assistance. Private and corporate support was overwhelming, and in less than three short weeks officers raised nearly $10,000, enabling them to double the number of recipients.

Officers reached out to the manager of a local shoe store, who agreed to extend a regional promotion and further discount their shoes. The students were then selected with the assistance of school district officials and South Bay Community Services.

On Sunday, February 5 beginning at 7:30 a.m., more than 400 kids will meet at the Payless Shoe Source, 555 Broadway, (Chula Vista Center mall), where they’ll be allowed to select at no cost, one pair of shoes and six pairs of socks. Panera Bread and Starbucks Coffee, also located in the mall, will provide samples to participants, and radio stations Jammin’ Z90 and 91X will be there to promote the event.

At approximately 8:00 pm, a Chula Vista Police Officer was transporting a prisoner to the department in his marked patrol unit. The officer’s patrol unit was rear ended by another vehicle traveling at approximately 40-50 mph in the 800 block of East H Street. The officer and the prisoner suffered unknown injuries and have been transported to the hospital. The Chula Vista Traffic Division has been called to investigate the collision.

Acting Captain Lon Turner
Chula Vista Police Department
619-691-5209

Thanks to the quick action by media outlets, the 21 year old man found in critical condition yesterday on J street has been identified and united with his mother and sister. Media reports prompted the family to call CVPD and determine the whereabouts of their loved one.

Acting Captain Lon Turner
Chula Vista Police
619-691-5209
lturner@chulavistapd.org

Seeking Identity of Unidentified Male

On January 29, 2012 at approximately 6:30 pm, CVPD responded to a medical call of a person down at 184 J Street, Chula Vista. The unidentified victim is described as a Hispanic Male, approximately 15-18 years old, 5-10, 160 pounds, clean shaven, with short Brown hair. He was wearing gray sweatpants and a multi colored shirt. He had in his possession a silver colored skateboard, a Genie brand garage door opener, and a small dog. The dog is described a red Chow female, approximately two years old.

The victim was transported to UCSD Trauma Center and remains in critical condition.

Chula Vista Police Department is seeking any information on the victim’s identity. If you have any information please call CVPD at 619-691-5151.

Photographs of the victim, his shirt, dog and skateboard are attached.

Acting Captain Lon Turner
619-691-5209


Attached Media Files: 2012-01/1179/51281/P1300014.JPG , 2012-01/1179/51281/P1300007.JPG , 2012-01/1179/51281/chow2.JPG , 2012-01/1179/51281/Chow.jpg , 2012-01/1179/51281/Unknown_Medical_Victim.JPG

Chula Vista - Officers from the Chula Vista Police Department conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday, January 27th, 2012 within the City of Chula Vista.

The DUI Saturation Patrol was aimed at increasing public awareness, decreasing the number of drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver's license

During this operation, traffic stops were conducted on 60 vehicles. 7 persons were evaluated for driving under the influence and 1 of the drivers was cited for under 21 years old and over a .01% BAC. A driver was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine and a passenger from a separate traffic stop was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and impersonating another person. 1 driver was driving on a suspended license and another 4 were unlicensed. 2 vehicles were impounded on a 30 day hold and another 2 vehicles were impounded with no holds. 30 citations were written for various other vehicle code violations.

This was considered a successful DUI Saturation Patrol. The Chula Vista Police Department is continuing its efforts to keep our community safe by detecting and deterring impaired drivers. The Chula Vista Police Department is asking for the public’s continued assistance throughout the year to Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.

Funding for this operation was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

"DRIVER SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER."

Case: 120000911
441 Oaklawn Ave
1/20/12, 0300 hrs

Victim: Julian Velasquez, Age 20 (Surviving)
Christina Selmon, Age 20 (Deceased)
Hopeton Bennett, Age 17 (Deceased)

Suspect(s): Abdiwahab Noorein, Age 22
Abdirahaman Mohamed, Age 23


On January 20, 2012 at approximately 0300 hrs, CVPD patrol officers responded to a call of shots fired, with people on the ground at 441 Oawlawn Ave. Officers arrived and discovered two individuals, a male juvenile, identified as Hopeton Bennett and a female, Christina Selmon ,who were deceased. A third victim, Julian Velasquez was shot in the face and transported to UCSD Trauma Center and later released. CVPD Crimes of Violence detectives were called to the scene and took over the investigation.

On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, two individuals, Abdiwahab Noorein and Abdirahaman Mohamed were arrested for the attempt murder of Julian Velasquez. Abdiwahab Noorein and Abdirahaman Mohamed were booked into the San Diego County Jail for one count of attempted murder. Both suspects are believed to have gang association.

The incident continues to be under investigation and anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call the Crimes of Violence Unit at (619) 691-5202.

POLICE MEDIA ADVISORY
315 Fourth Avenue, MS P-200
Chula Vista, CA 91910-3801
Office 619-691-5137 Fax 619-691-5281

David Bejarano
Chief of Police




To: San Diego Media

From: Chula Vista Police Department Phone: (619) 691-5151 Fax: (619) 691-5281

Contact: Officer Rusty Nelson Phone: (619) 476-5300 Fax: (619) 476-5435

Subject: Regional Traffic Enforcement Day



On 1/25/12 the Chula Vista Police Department, in cooperation with other local police agencies hosted the "County-Wide Inter-Agency Traffic Enforcement-Team".

The operation was staffed by traffic officers from 8 different agencies, including National City, City of San Diego, San Diego State University, La Mesa, Carlsbad, Escondido, San Diego Sheriff's Department and Chula Vista.

The detail ran from 7:00am until 12:00 pm. During that time, 203 citations were issued. 9 cars were impounded when the drivers were found to not have valid driver's licenses. Twenty four pedestrians were cited for Jaywalking.

The Chula Vista Police Department considers this operation a great success. We received tremendous positive feedback from the citizens of Chula Vista. We plan to continue enforcement along these lines to ensure the safe, efficient flow of traffic within our community.

The Chula Vista Police Department conducted a Court Sting on 01-24-12 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the court house located at 500 Third Ave in the city of Chula Vista. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes the checkpoint focused drivers who currently have a suspended driver’s license due to a DUI related arrest. These court stings are conducted to identify offenders who are participating in court program and are violating the terms of their program and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving and driving without a valid driver’s license. Officers issued 3 citations for drivers driving on a suspended license and 4 for unlicensed drivers. A total of 8 vehicles were impounded for the suspended or unlicensed driver violations, and expired registration over 6 months. One driver was issued a citation for an open alcoholic beverage container. An additional 17 citations were issued for various other vehicle code violations. This operation was considered to be very successful.

All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This court sting is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver's license. The major components of these stings are to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and the necessity to drive with a valid license. A court sting is a proven effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Chula Vista Police Department believes motorists can be deterred from drinking and driving.

Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Instructions on reporting drunk drivers were passed out at the court sting.

Funding for this operation was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


"DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER."

On 1/25/2012 the Chula Vista Police Department in cooperation with other local agencies will work together to enforce traffic violations throughout the City of Chula Vista from 7:00AM and 12:00PM.

There will be about 25 police motor officers from 7 different agencies looking for violations. Our goal is to provide additional public safety and educate motorists. We hope this effort will ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic within our community for months to come.

The Medical Examiner's Office has notified the next of kin and two victims have been identified in last Friday's shooting in the 400 block of Oaklawn Avenue. Victim#1- 20 year old, Chula Vista resident, Christina Elizabeth Selmon, and Victim #2- 17 year old, San Diego resident, Hopeton Bennett. The investigation is on-going and anyone with any information is asked to call the Chula Vista Police Department Crimes of Violence Unit at (619) 691-5202.

At about 3:00 AM today, residents in the 400 block of Oaklawn Avenue reported hearing multiple gunshots. When officers arrived, they found three shooting victims. A 21 year old male victim had been shot in the face; he was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive. The other victims, a young male and young female were pronounced dead at the scene. The Department is not releasing identities of victims at this time pending notification of next of kin. There are no known suspects at this time and the motive for the crime is undetermined. The Department is looking into a disturbance that occurred at a related apartment late on January 18, but there are few details about that incident. Investigators will be working throughout the day to develop leads.

This morning several residents called to report that their vehicles had been vandalized during the evening. Thus far at least 50 victims have been identified, with several more pending.

The crimes occurred in the residential areas surrounding Hilltop & Orange. Most vehicles had one or more tires slashed, and in a few cases car windows were broken; at least one vehicle had property taken from within.

Anyone with information about who may be responsible for these crimes is asked to call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.

POLICE MEDIA ADVISORY
315 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Office 619-691-5137 Fax 619-691-5281

David Bejarano
Chief of Police





To: All News Media Phone: 476-5301 Fax: 409-5435

From: Chula Vista Police Department Phone: 691-5151

Subject: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Date: 1/19/12
Message:

UPDATE: The victim has been identified as Robert Marshall, a 77 year old Chula Vista resident.

On 01-19-2012 at approximately 8:39 AM, officers from the Chula Vista Police Department responded to a report of a traffic collision in the 900 Block of Fourth Ave involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. Officers on scene determined that there were serious injuries to the bicyclist, and the Chula Vista Police Traffic Bureau was called to the scene.

A 77-year-old adult male was riding his bicycle along the east curb of Fourth Ave. A vehicle operated by an elderly female, which was entering traffic northbound from the driveway of Rice Elementary School, struck the bicyclist causing serious injuries. Paramedics transported him to UCSD, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The cause of the collision has not been determined. The Chula Vista Police Traffic Bureau is currently investigating the collision. Investigating officers are Officers Salazar, Nelson, and Burroughs.

**Please note: The presentation will be held in the Community Room at the Chula Vista Police Department, 315 Fourth Avenue**

On Thursday, January 19th beginning at 9:00 a.m., the Chula Vista Police Department Crime Lab will present its highly acclaimed program, "How to Use Math to Solve Crimes", to students of La Jolla Country Day Middle School. Unlike before, where participants were advanced placement high school math students, those attending the upcoming seminar will actually be taught trigonometry during the presentation, and then given an opportunity to apply that knowledge to solve a crime.

The media are invited to attend any part (or all) of this presentation. Crime Lab Manager Craig Ogino will be the point of contact, and can be reached at (619) 691-5270, (desk), or (619) 572-4587, (cell).

The schedule is as follows:

0900-0915 Welcome comments

0915-1045 How to use math to solve crimes / Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation lecture

1045-1115 Table top exercise

1115-1200 Crime Scene Photographs

1200-1245 Lunch

1245-1415 Two Crime Scene Practicals

For additional information, please contact Crime Lab Manager Ogino

Chula Vista - Officers from the Chula Vista Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver's License checkpoint on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 on the 600 block of H Street in Chula Vista from 7 pm to 1 am. This DUI/Driver's License checkpoint was aimed at increasing public awareness, decreasing the number of drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver's license

During the operation 2512 vehicles drove through the checkpoint. Out of those, 449 vehicles were flagged for inspection. Eight drivers were evaluated for driving under the influence. Two of the drivers were arrested for DUI. One driver was cited for having an open container of alcohol. Two drivers were driving on a suspended license and twelve drivers were driving without a driver’s license. Three vehicle’s were impounded on a 30 day hold and another vehicle was impounded with no holds for drivers driving without a license, on a suspended license, or driver arrested. Fourteen citations were issued for various other vehicle code violations.

The Chula Vista Police Department with funding from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is continuing its efforts to keep our community safe by detecting and deterring impaired drivers. The Chula Vista Police Department is asking for the public’s continued assistance throughout the year to Report Drunk Drivers - Call 9-1-1.

"DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER"

DUI/Drivers License checkpoint Planned this Weekend

Chula Vista, CA – Chula Vista Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on January 14, 2012 within the city limits between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. DUI checkpoints are a proven enforcement tool effective in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.

Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

"Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 8 lives in Chula Vista," said Officer Chudy.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

"Deaths from drunk and drug-impaired driving are going down in California," said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). "But that still means that hundreds of our friends, family and co-workers are killed each year, along with tens of thousands who are seriously injured. We must all continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies. If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1."

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Chula Vista Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver.

"DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER."

On January 11, 2012 at approximately 8:10 PM, we received multiple 911 calls of gunshots in the area of Roosevelt Street and Smith Avenue. When officers arrived, two victims were located with gunshot wounds. One victim was transported to UCSD Trauma Unit with a gunshot wound to the back and the second victim was treated at the scene for a minor gunshot wound to the hand. The suspects were described as two Hispanic males, 5’9", 160 lbs, mid 20’s, armed with a shotgun and a handgun. The suspect armed with the shotgun was wearing a white shirt, dark jeans and a dark beanie cap. The second suspect was armed with a handgun and was described as wearing dark clothing. The suspects were last seen running northbound on Smith Avenue away from the scene.

This incident is currently being investigated by our Crimes of Violence Unit. Anyone having any information about this crime is encouraged to call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.

Please see the attached media advisory regarding a Binational Forum on Human Trafficking scheduled for tomorrow, (Thursday), January 12 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano will participate.


Attached Media Files: Media Advisory

On 01-05-2012 at approximately 5:43 PM, officers from the Chula Vista Police Department responded to a report of a traffic collision at the intersection of Otay Lakes Rd and Elmhurst St. When officers arrived on scene, it was discovered the incident was a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision. Medical personnel transported the pedestrian, identified as Gloria Serrano to Mercy Hospital. The Chula Vista Police Traffic Bureau was called to the scene to investigate the collision.

Witnesses observed Serrano crossing eastbound across Otay Lakes Rd. Serrano was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound on Otay Lakes Rd. causing a severe injury to the right arm. The driver of the vehicle that struck Serrano fled the scene of the collision. The Chula Vista Police Department is attempting to locate the driver.

The vehicle is described as a silver Hyundai Accent sedan with a broken right front headlight and missing the right side rear view mirror.

The Chula Vista Police Traffic Bureau is currently investigating the collision. The primary cause of the collision was the pedestrian crossing against a red light and in violation of no crossing signs. The Chula Vista Police Traffic Bureau is still looking for the driver involved to get their statement in order to complete the investigation. Anyone having any information about this crime is encouraged to call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.

The Chula Vista Police Department welcomes members of the media and community partners to a press conference this morning regarding the implementation of the Chula Vista EmFinders program described below. The press conference will take place at 10:30 am today, January 10th, at the Chula Vista Police Department. Chief Bejarano along with other police and community leaders will be on hand for the event. There will also be a live demonstration of the technology.

As a part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe community for all residents, the Chula Vista Police Department is proud to announce a new partnership with a national emergency location system known as EmFinders. The Chula Vista EmFinders Program, operated by the Senior Volunteer Patrol, supplements the existing Chula Vista Assist program in helping find adults who may wander and become lost. The Chula Vista Assist program has been in existence for over five years and has enrolled over 76 residents over that time. The new EmFinders program was created to enhance police response capability by greatly expediting the safe return of adults that have become lost.

The EmFinders nationwide emergency location system works directly with emergency 911 dispatchers to greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to locate a missing person and return them safely home. Utilizing a device that is about the size of a wristwatch, the EmFinders system uses cell phone triangulation technology. If a loved one is missing or has wandered, caregivers can activate the device by first calling 911 to report the missing person and then contacting EmFinders to activate the emergency location system. Upon activation the device places a call to 911 and the 911 system determines the wearer's location. Emergency dispatchers can direct police officers to the location using the same existing E911 technology as they do every day for other wireless 911 calls.

The national EmFinders system provides an added layer of security and peace of mind for caregivers who often live in constant worry that their loved one will wander off and become lost, putting themselves in grave danger of serious injury or even death from exposure to the elements or obstacles they may encounter along the way.

The Police Department has made a limited number of EmFinders emergency location devices available to members of our community at no cost. The devices are available to adult residents that have a cognitive disability such as Autism or Alzheimer's, have a history of wandering or becoming lost, and successfully complete a brief screening for eligibility. Application to the EmFinders program may be completed by a qualifying resident, or by their caregivers or loved ones with their expressed consent, and screenings are generally completed over the phone.

Residents interested in applying for the EmFinders program may learn more at www.ChulaVistaPD.org/goto/EmFinders, or contact the Senior Volunteer Patrol office at (619) 476-2588. After a brief initial screening by a volunteer, qualifying residents will be invited to meet with police personnel and enroll in the EmFinders Program. Each enrollee will be provided with the free wristwatch-style emergency location device. Each enrollee will also be provided with a maximum of one year service in the EmFinders nationwide location system. Additional years of service must be paid by the enrollee or caregiver.

The EmFinders program is provided without taxpayer expense. Funding for the program is provided by the Chula Vista Police Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting the mission of the Police Department. The funding for this program would not be possible without the generosity of late police volunteer Glen A. Gilliland, who bequeathed part of his estate to the Foundation for this purpose. The Chula Vista Police Department is the first in the County to make this technology available to its community.

Members of the media and community partners are invited to attend a press conference and demonstration of the device today, January 10, 2012, at 10:30 am at the Chula Vista Police Department. Chief David Bejarano, a representative from EmFinders and other police and community leaders will be available. A live demonstration of the device and mock-activation will take place immediately after the press conference. The Police Department is located at 315 Fourth Avenue in Chula Vista.

If you have questions prior to the event, please feel free to contact Lieutenant Phil Collum at (619) 476-2454. Additional contact information is at the bottom of this release.