A police officer responding to a robbery call in downtown Laguna Beach spotted a man who fit the description of the suspected culprit outside a second store that he had also entered to demand money, police said Monday.
No weapons were used and no civilians were injured in the midday incident Saturday, Feb. 20, though the suspect allegedly kicked an officer during his jail booking, Sgt. Tim Kleiser said.
Joshua Poeske, 27, of Laguna Niguel, was arrested for suspicion of felony robbery, resisting arrest and battery on a peace officer after he allegedly demanded money at a gallery in the 400 block of Coast Highway and a gift shop in the 200 block of Forest Avenue. In neither instance did employees turn over cash.
Poeske allegedly struggled with the officers who first detained him near Glenneyre and Forest avenues, Kleiser said.
Monday, Feb. 15
Disturbance. 300 block of Broadway. 9 a.m. Benjamin Allen Farley, 27, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for suspicion of felony battery on an officer. Farley allegedly ignored demands to halt and was grabbed by an officer, who attempted to force him to sit down. A tussle ensued until he was cuffed. Bail was set at $20,000.
Drug activity. 10:31 a.m. Three out-of-the area 18-year-old girls were cited for meth and pot possession.
Vandalism. 3000 block of Mountain View Dr. 11 a.m. A left rear tire was slashed twice.
Vandalism. 1000 block of N. Coast Hwy. 12:19 p.m. A passenger side window was smashed and the vehicle’s registration and insurance information have gone missing.
Tuesday, Feb. 16
Suspicious person. 31100 block of Coast Hwy. 12:15 a.m. A 29-year-old man was arrested for misdemeanor meth possession after his illegally parked car was searched.
Traffic stop. 30800 block of Coast hwy. 8:42 p.m. A 23-year-old Ontario man driving with a suspended license was cited for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His 17-year-old female passenger was intoxicated and released to her parents.
Vehicle burglary. 200 block of Cress St. 10:46 p.m. Two 15-year-old Laguna Beach boys, suspected in a car break-in, were detained and cited for curfew.
Thursday, Feb. 18
Fraud. 2500 block of Temple Hills Dr. 11:47 a.m. A resident discovered that someone had used his information to open a Comcast account and change his banking information with the Social Security Administration.
Fraud. 900 block of S. Coast Hwy. 4:28 p.m. A customer paid $4,500 for repairs to his vehicle with a fraudulent check.
Friday, Feb. 19
Burglary. 31000 block of Coast Highway, 12:36 a.m. A resident suspects a thief entered through an open bedroom window and took two laptops valued at $3,900.
Theft. 100 block of McKnight Dr. 11:04 a.m. Clothing left in a laundry room and valued at $500 was taken.
Disturbance. 200 block of Saint Ann’s Drive 10:09 p.m. Arriving officers detained a male and female who were outside a party holding cans of beer. The 20-year-old male from Laguna Niguel was arrested for an outstanding warrant while his 17-year-old female companion was detained and cited for a curfew violation and possessing alcohol.
Saturday, Feb. 20
Patrol check. 200 block of Forest Ave. 12:20 a.m. A 20-year-old Dana Point woman was arrested for providing police false information and possessing a fake ID.
Sunday, Feb. 21
DUI. Laguna Canyon Rd. 9:19 p.m. An officer who stopped a suspected DUI driver arrested Morgan Goines, 21, of Rancho Cucamonga, for suspicion of possessing and transporting marijuana for sale. In a car search, police seized a digital scale, plastic bags and 34.31 grams of marijuana.
Collision. Jasmine and Magnolia streets. 2:31 p.m. A driver escaped injury but had to be cut from a vehicle that collided with another. No other details were available.
Fraud. Pacific Vista. 3:08 p.m. A male who called the victim claiming to be her grandson asked for $8,900. The report is incomplete so it’s unclear if the victim wired the money.
Stolen vehicle. El Paseo. 4:48 p.m. Michael Mitchell, 51, of Orange, was arrested for allegedly possessing stolen property, behind the wheel of a 2009 Hyundai reported stolen.
