Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

CLAREMONT - A suspect free due to new Los Angeles County bail policies is now wanted for attempted homicide after stabbing someone at the Metrolink station Sunday.

Phillip Borunda, a 41-year-old transient, is accused of stabbing someone in the rib cage during a verbal argument at the Metrolink station, 200 W. First St., just before 4 p.m. October 22. The victim suffered very serious injuries and was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center for further treatment, according to the Claremont Police Department.

Shockingly, Borunda has had frequent run-ins with the law yet remains free. Since 2019, he has been arrested 14 times by Claremont police officers for crimes spanning arson, burglary, possessing stolen property and drug offenses.

“Borunda is currently out of custody awaiting arraignment for an arson arrest due to the Los Angeles County Bail Schedules and Pre-arraignment Release Protocols,” according to the Claremont Police Department in a written statement.

Borunda has a warrant for his arrest after failing to appear in court last month on a misdemeanor arson charge for a July 13 arrest.

The Claremont Police Officer Association is also pitting blame on a zero cash bail policy initiated by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, stating “unfortunately, District Attorney George Gascón’s “no-bail” policies have often resulted in his release without facing charges or consequences posing a significant threat to our community.”

Anyone with information leading to the arrest of Borunda, or who could help with the stabbing investigation is urged to call the Claremont Police Department at 909-399-5411.

CLAREMONT – Police made 10 arrests and recovered two handguns and various prescription drugs during an eight-hour crime suppression at hotels near the I-10 freeway and Indian Hill Boulevard May 12.

Nine officers worked the crime suppression detail. One person was arrested for concealing a loaded firearm and one person was arrested for possessing an unserialized “ghost gun.” Other arrests were made for possession of Oxycodone and Xanax laced with Fentanyl for sale, possession of narcotics, soliciting on the freeway, driving with a suspended license and arrests were made for outstanding warrants, according to the Claremont Police Department.

The crime suppression detail was in operation from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Two hazardous citations and one vehicle impound was made, according to the Claremont Police Department.

Concerns and complaints from the community spurred the Claremont Police Department to act on the area and its numerous hotels

“The Claremont Police Department is also collaborating with the Pomona Police Department, District Attorney Gascón, Project Sister Family Services, and the Committee for Safe and Healthy Housing to provide education, outreach, and resources related to human trafficking in the region,” according to the Claremont Police Department in a written statement.