People v. De La Paz

Defendant was charged with a violation of subdivision 2 of section 487 of the Penal Code (grand theft from the person). Four prior convictions, three of which were for the same offense, were charged and admitted. After a trial by jury, he was found guilty, probation was denied and he was sentenced to state prison.

Officer O’Lear, of the Los Angeles Police Department, was assigned to the bunko pickpocketing detail. He was well acquainted with defendant and had arrested him on at least one previous occasion. On August 8, 1964, the officer was off duty. He saw defendant standing at a bus stop on…