SDPD Cold Case Team solves 1991 Homicide
Feb. 9, 2006 – On January 16, 1991, 74–year–old Lester Larson was found beaten to death by patrol officers responding to a burglary report. Fifteen years later his killer is being booked for murder thanks to the SDPD and District Attorney's Cold Case Teams.
In July 2005, evidence from the case was re–examined by the SDPD Cold Case Team and DNA analyst Brian Buritt. Biological samples containing DNA evidence were found and entered in the Combined DNA Index System.
In September 2005, a DNA match was made to 51–year–old Abdul Salaam, with an alias of Esau Randle, who was incarcerated at a California State Prison facility for unrelated crimes. On February 9 he was transported to San Diego and is being booked for murder.
Domestic violence victims keep in touch with Verizon Wireless phones
You could put your old cell phone to good use. Through project HopeLine, Verizon Wireless will donate 250 cell phones with 300 minutes of prepaid airtime to victims of domestic violence so they are able to stay in touch with family members or contact staff of San Diego’s Family Justice Center.
The San Diego Fire–Rescue and Police Departments are doing their part by collecting used phones and accessories donated by the public. Collection boxes are available at city fire and police stations through April 15, 2006.
Verizon will then refurbish and resell the equipment with all proceeds going to the Family Justice Center.
HopeLine is a collaborative project between the Family Justice Center, Verizon Wireless, San Diego Fire–Rescue, and the San Diego Police Departments.
Real Gun? Toy Gun?
Can you tell the difference? Should a cop be able to? Recent incidents demonstrate the split–second decisions officers must make, even when the “gun” turns out to be a replica. From a fatal shooting to school lockdown, a replica gun won’t necessarily be treated as a toy.
- District Attorney determines officer-involved shooting justified
Nov. 15, 2005 – In a letter to San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis determined that Officer Stephen Holliday’s decision to fire in the shooting of Jacob Richard Faust on Apr. 4, 2005 was reasonable and justified. Faust was fatally wounded in an incident that began as a vehicle stop for an illegal left turn.
According to the police department, Holliday was providing cover for Officer Brian Keaton, who stopped Faust at about 1:23 a.m. and was concerned that Faust might be angry when he learned his car would be impounded. Faust had been arrested on Feb. 13, 2005 for driving under the influence and his driver’s license had been suspended.
Standing on the passenger side of the car, a police report says it was Officer Holliday who first noticed what he thought was a handgun protruding from the pocket on the passenger seatback. When Faust physically resisted Keaton’s order to get out of the car, and reached for something behind the seat, Keaton pepper–sprayed him. According to police, it was then that Keaton saw Faust with a shiny object in his hand and Holliday fired three rounds at Faust.
The gun found in the vehicle turned out to be a cap gun replica of a chrome semiautomatic pistol. According to police, the orange muzzle, which indicates a replica vs. real gun, had been blacked out with what appeared to be black magic marker ink.
-
School closed due to gun on campus
Nov. 7, 2005 – Southwest High School was locked down for about 45 minutes while police checked room by room for a male seen with a gun on campus. They finally located the juvenile and his plastic toy gun.
- Incident involving replica gun
Dec. 18, 2005 – When officers responded to a disturbance call at an apartment complex, they found a male displaying a handgun in a threatening manner. The male entered his residence and refused to come out. S.W.A.T. was called in and watched the residence for three hours. Five hours later a female resident of the apartment convinced officers the gun was only a replica. She allowed officers access and they took John C. Reinhart into custody for displaying a replica weapon in a threatening manner.
Wells Fargo sponsors elementary school safety program
When San Diego Police Department officers arrive in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms, they will be equipped with materials provided by a $25,000 grant from Wells Fargo. Through this program, officers create age–appropriate awareness and give children tools that will help guide their choices about drugs, media influences, and pedestrian safety. Measurable outcomes at ESSP campuses include reductions in calls to the police for violence or weapons-related crime.
Read more
K-9 Retiree Replacement Program needs your help
We’re proud of the efficiency and alternative to lethal force made possible by the SDPD Canine Unit. Your gifts, large and small, help the Foundation fund the cost (currently $8,515 each) for eight-to-ten young police service dogs that are needed to replace retirees in the next 12 months.
Read More
