June 5, 2007

Willow Glen, Cambrian Park Area Crime Report

April 26
Community policing
Kirk Community Center
Capt. Cavallaro attended the Building Strong Neighborhoods Pilot Program Meeting at the Kirk Community Center. Representatives from the city manger’s office, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Department of Transportation, the Neighborhood Development Center and District 9 Councilmember Judy Chirco’s Office attended the meeting, which focused on improvements to the Donna Lane neighborhood in Council District 9.

May 23
Community policing
Gardner Community Center
A community forum was held at Gardner Community Center. Community members have expressed concern about rising gang violence and racial profiling by the police. City Councilmember Sam Liccardo was present as well as a staff member represented Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio’s office. Gang awareness presentations were provided by Bernie Rosales from the PRNS and Deputy District Attorney Ray Mendoza. Capt. Richard Calderon facilitated a discussion on racial profiling. Approximately 35-40 people attended the forum. 

May 29
Disturbance, fight
1300 block of Lindsay
Neighbors called police to report that a male and female were fighting inside a vehicle. Upon contact, the driver/suspect was non-compliant and attempted to start the vehicle in an attempt to flee. He was removed from the car and attempted to assault the officers. He was very combative and as a result was tased and taken into custody. The suspect was transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment and then booked.


Unlawful sex crimes with a minor
San Jose Police reported the arrest of 39-year-old Valentino Sedillo last December on Joseph Avenue in San Jose after allegedly sexually molesting a 15-year-old neighbor. The investigation revealed evidence that Sedillo’s home was the center of activity for a group of neighborhood teens, and where Sedillo reportedly gave the teens alcohol. Officers discovered Sedillo’s home had been equipped with concealed video surveillance and recording equipment that monitored the interior of his home. Sedillo has served as a Sunday school teacher at the Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, where he had befriended the victim in this case.

Investigators also learned that Sedillo had been the subject of a 1991 investigation into an allegation he had sexually molested a 4- to 6-year-old boy. Sedillo told officers he had befriended the victim and the boy’s family at an un-named Baptist church, but refused to identify the family during that investigation. That victim was never identified and Sedillo was not prosecuted in that case.

Investigation also revealed that in 2000, Sedillo had approached a family who attended the Foxworthy Baptist Church, and admitted having “inappropriate feelings” for one of their children. That child was reportedly a student in Sedillo’s Sunday school class. This information was not reported to authorities, and Sedillo continued to teach Sunday school at the church.

Sedillo has been a member of the church since 1993 and until May, 2006, taught Sunday school for several years. He reportedly has also spent time working with high-risk boys in the neighborhood, who were not necessarily associated with the church.

Investigators are interested in identifying the victim in the 1991 case, as well as others who might have information relevant to these cases. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Det. Rea Pifferini at (408) 277-4102. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP.


Residential burglaries
Over several months a number of similar-type burglaries have occurred throughout the Bay Area including western and southern San Jose. There have been over 25 reported incidents in San Jose over the last eight months. The suspects are believed responsible for over 100 similar burglaries throughout the Bay Area. The San Jose Police Department Burglary Unit is investigating several reports of suspects, impersonating water district employees, who contact elderly senior citizens at their homes. The suspects say they are with the water district or some other construction/utility company doing work in the area due to problems with the water lines.

The suspect says he needs to test the water. Typically, the suspect will ask the victim to perform some task in one part of the house or yard while the suspect or a partner goes to other parts of the house and burglarizes the home. The suspect leaves the residence after taking money, jewelry, passports, guns or other small items.

Citizens should not allow any unscheduled visitor, repairman or “company employee” of any type into their homes. Citizens should call “9-1-1” immediately for any suspicious person, vehicle or activity in their neighborhood.

Suspect(s) description: Several suspects appear to be committing the burglaries. They are usually male, 30-35 years old, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, short brown hair, facial hair with olive complexions. On occasion, the suspects wear orange work vests and hard hats. One suspect has been described as in his mid 40s to mid 50s, with a round face and heavy build.

Associated vehicles: Cargo-type white van, or utility-type work trucks with unknown writing on the sides.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to call Det. Bob Froese at the San Jose Police Department Burglary Unit at (408) 277-4401. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP.

Summertime safety
With summer vacation just around the corner, the San Jose Police Department and the Family Violence Unit want to remind parents, guardians and babysitters to take extra care with little ones this year. Tragic reminders surround us every day:

In 2006, San Jose police officers investigated 15 cases of children falling out of second-floor windows;
Officers have responded to numerous complaints from concerned citizens about children left in locked cars in sweltering heat;

In the past several years, San Jose police officers have investigated numerous drownings or near-drownings of children, some as old as 11 years of age.

In April 2002, San Jose police officers removed two small children, one 3-years-old and one 10-months-old, who were locked in a car. The officers estimated the interior temperature of the vehicle to be 100 degrees. The father was shopping at a nearby commercial center.

In May 2000, San Jose police officers removed a 2-year-old from a car when the child was found by a passer-by. The child’s mother was shopping at Eastridge Mall.

In June 2000, San Jose police officers removed a 3-year-old from a car when the child was found by a passer-by. The outside temperature was 83 degrees and the inside temperature of the car was well over 100 degrees. The child’s mother was shopping at Westgate Mall.

In the past two years, we have seen children drown in bathtubs and in home or apartment swimming pools.

Many of these cases have resulted in criminal charges being filed against the parent or guardian. The most tragic scenario is a parent, guardian or babysitter living a lifetime of regret over an injury or death that could easily have been prevented.

The San Jose Police Department reminds parents, guardians and babysitters to make good decisions this summer. Know where your children are. If you have to leave them, even momentarily, make sure that someone else is watching them for you. It takes only an instant to change a young life, or yours forever.