Police Bulletin Police Bulletin (September 03, 2004)

Motorcyclist killed in collision

A Berkeley man was killed from injuries suffered during an Aug. 26 traffic collision at the intersection of Owens and Rosewood drives.

Police reported that motorcyclist Charles Yerkes, 40, was traveling eastbound on Owens about 6 p.m. when he attempted to negotiate a left-hand turn on Rosewood but failed to stop for a red traffic signal.

Yerkes' motorcycle struck a westbound vehicle driven by Benjamin Lomboy, 26, of Sacramento.

Although Lomboy attempted to stop his Toyota Camry, Yerkes became lodged under the vehicle and was dragged about 34 feet before the car came to a final stop, police said.

His head was pinned under the car's right front wheel, and Yerkes was conscious but unable to speak, police said, when Pleasanton police first arrived at the scene.

Officer Randy Paulson called upon about 20 bystanders to help; together, they lifted and rolled the car off Yerkes, police said.

Yerkes was transported to Eden Hospital in Castro Valley, where he died during surgery.

Police continue to investigate the collision. Crook cooks up burglary

An unknown suspect broke into an empty new home on Laguna Creek Lane overnight Aug. 23 and slipped away with a $1,000 cook top while causing about $850 in damages.

Michael Marucci of Greenbrier Homes reported the burglary to police the following day. He told police that the home was secured about 5 p.m. Aug. 23 and the residents planned to move in Aug. 24.

About 7 a.m. on that day, Marucci discovered the theft, police said. Marucci noticed a window in the family room was partially open and the range was missing. The suspect cut the range's wires and ripped out the gas hose to the cook top, police said.

In addition to the theft, three 3-inch scratches were left in the hardwood floor in front of the range area, police said.

Marucci also discovered that the suspect had attempted to break into the home through the north door to the kitchen; he found a half-inch pry mark on that exterior door.

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