June 1, 2007

Evergreen Area Police report

Sheriff’s office seeks public’s help in identifying homicide victim

On Tuesday, May 23, 2007, at 11:35 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to northbound highway 280, north of De Anza Blvd, on a report of a body found. Deputies arrived on scene and located the victim lying in the bushes near the side of the road with wounds to his body.

Homicide detectives are attempting to identify the victim in this case. The victim is described as a Hispanic male, possibly late teens or early 20s, five feet tall, about 100 pounds and with short dark hair that is longer and spiked in the front. He wore a tank top, a black sweatshirt, blue Nike shorts, a gold necklace, and gold bracelet. The bracelet was inscribed with “J Manuel.”

At this time homicide detectives are asking assistance from the public to identify the victim. The victim did not have any identification with him. Detectives are providing a sketch of the victim as well as photos of the jewelry found on the body. If anyone recognizes the sketch or the jewelry or has any information on this case, they are urged to call Sergeant Ken Binder of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at (408) 808-4500. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call the anonymous tip line at (408) 808-4431.

Sources: San Jose Police Department and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office

SJPD seeks suspects posing as Water District employees

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 the city of San Jose over the last eight months and eight in the last week. 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 your neighborhood.

Suspect(s) Description: Several suspects appear to be committing the burglaries. They are usually male, 30-35 years old, 5’10” to 6’ 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 40’s to mid 50’s, 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 Detective 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.