Thursday, February 23, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of February 20-22, 2012


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 443 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping.

Burglary
On February 20 at 9:59 p.m., a burglary of a garage was reported in the 500 block of West Foothill.  The burglary occurred sometime between Sunday night and Monday night.  The suspect(s) used bolt cutters to cut the hasp of the garage door to gain entry.  The interior cabinets were ransacked, but there was no loss.

Vehicle Burglary
On February 20 at 10:36 p.m., an officer responded to a vehicle burglary that occurred in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The burglary occurred in the parking lot of a gym.  The suspect vehicle is a newer, grey Toyota Corolla.  A male suspect punched the lock on the driver side door and stole an I-Pod from the vehicle.  The suspect vehicle drove off southbound.  Investigation continuing.


Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

2008 Attempt Murder Case Follow-up - Suspect Jimmy Santana Convicted 
In February of 2008, a male subject/victim was riding his bicycle in the 2500 block of South Peck Road.  He was approached by a suspect with a gun who walked up to him and shot him.  The suspect, Jimmy Santana, is a known gang member.  The incident was found to be gang related; however, the victim is not a gang member.  This incident occurred in the county area of Monrovia and was investigated by Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau detectives.  Monrovia Police Department detectives and officers played a major part in the conviction of this suspect in testimony regarding gang affiliation.

In February of 2012, the suspect in this case, Jimmy Santana, was convicted of willful, deliberate and premeditated murder; the jury also found he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, causing great bodily injury to the victim.  Santana was also convicted of shooting from a motor vehicle and assault with a firearm.  The jury found the gang allegation true as to all counts.  Sentencing is set for March 15, 2012.


Tip of the Week

Power Line Safety From Southern California Edison
Power lines bring electricity to your home or office, but touching a power line, whether overhead or on the ground, may cause serious injury or death.  The following guidelines will help you stay safe around power lines.

IF YOU SEE A DOWNED WIRE, CALL 911 RIGHT AWAY.

If a person or piece of equipment comes in contact with an energized power line, or if a power line has fallen to the ground:

  • Do not approach or touch the line or anything in contact with the line.

  • Call 911. Inform the operator that it's an electrical emergency.

  • ALWAYS assume that all wires are energized.

  • Keep this Safety Fact Sheet as a handy reminder, and feel free to share it with your loved ones.

  • Other Safety Tips

  • Beware of a downed power line touching a vehicle. Stay clear of the vehicle and the power line. If a power line touches your vehicle while you are inside, remain calm and follow these directions: If you can do so safely, stay inside the vehicle until emergency assistance arrives. Warn others to stay away from the vehicle and have them call 9-1-1. If you must get out of the vehicle for safety reasons, jump clear. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.    

  • Never make contact with overhead power lines. When you're outside, check to make sure any tools or equipment you handle are well clear of power lines overhead. Your equipment may be closer to power lines than you think when you're:

·        Trimming trees
·        Using fruit-picking poles
·        Working on a roof
·        Installing or removing an antenna or satellite dish
·        Using a long-handled pool skimmer
·        Using and carrying metal ladders
*        Moving a boat with a mast

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of February 16-19, 2012


Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to the City of Monrovia website at www.cityofmonrovia.org and click on the crime mapping link.

Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
On February 16 at 1:28 p.m., a citizen called to report a subject vandalizing a city trash dumpster at a park in the 800 block of East Olive.  The suspect had written graffiti on the dumpster.  The witness was able to give a description of the suspect.  Police responded to the area and detained a subject matching the description and the witness positively identified him as the suspect who vandalized the city property.  The suspect was arrested and the citizen who reported the graffiti is eligible to receive a $100 bill through Monrovia Police Department's Stop Graffiti Bounty Program.  See details of the program below.

Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
On February 16 at 2:04 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of East Lemon regarding possible drug activity.  As officers arrived on scene, one of the officers saw a subject drop a clear plastic baggie under the bleachers where he was seated.  The item was recovered and found to contain one solid white pill.  The pill was determined to be an illegal substance and the suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Residential Burglary
On February 17 at 10:58 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Parkrose.  The suspect(s) entered by forcing a rear sliding door off the track.  The location was ransacked and the suspect(s) took cash and jewelry.  The burglary occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m.  A witness reported seeing a male Black subject in a red/maroon, four-door vehicle in front of the residence at about that time.  Investigation continuing.  

Commercial Burglary / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer - Suspects Arrested
On February 17 at 4:16 p.m., a burglary was reported by store personnel at a business in the 300 block of West Huntington.  A male Hispanic subject entered the store while a female accomplice waited outside in a vehicle.  The suspect walked directly to an isle in the store, took merchandise from the shelf, and then immediately exited the store without attempting to pay for the item.  Officers arrived in the area quickly and spotted the suspect vehicle in the parking lot.  The vehicle stopped and the male suspect exited the vehicle and ran.  There was a brief foot pursuit by officers, resulting in the apprehension of the suspect.  One of the officers sprained his ankle during the pursuit.  Both suspects were arrested for burglary.  The male suspect is a known gang member.  

Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
On February 18 at 2:29 a.m., a call was received from a resident in the 700 block of East Foothill.  The caller stated her 18-year-old son had been drinking and was getting physical with the family.  An officer arrived and saw the subject coming out of a side gate onto Foothill.  The officer told the subject to stop, but the subject took off on a bicycle. The officer ran after the subject and detained him at Foothill and Shamrock. The subject was arrested for resisting and delaying a peace officer.  At the jail, a small amount of cocaine was found in the subjects clothing.  The subject was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Hot Prowl Burglary
On February 19 at 12:10 a.m., a female resident in the 400 block of East Foothill called to report an attempt burglary.  She reported she was asleep, but woke when she heard someone in her bedroom.  She saw a subject in the room and yelled out, asking who was there.  The suspect yelled back that the manager said no one was supposed to be there and he ran out the front door.  The suspect was described as a light-skinned, male Black, approximately 5' 6", wearing a baseball cap, windbreaker, and dark jeans.  The suspect apparently removed four louvers from the front window to gain entry to the location.  Investigation continuing.

72-Hour Mental Evaluation
On February 19 at 2:50 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 1500 block of South Myrtle observed a subject acting strange at the corner of Evergreen and Myrtle.  The officer stopped to check on his welfare.  The subject was disoriented and did not know where he was or the day and time.  He could not state where he lived.  Monrovia Fire Department paramedics were summoned to examine him for medical problems and he was found to be okay.  Officers determined the subject was unable to care for his own well-being and advised him of the 72-hour hospitalization.  The subject stated he did not want to go to the hospital and he ran from the officers.  Officers caught up to him quickly, but he further resisted their attempt to detain him.  He was eventually taken into custody and taken to a hospital without further incident.


Stop Graffiti Bounty Program

One of the methods the Monrovia Police Department is using to combat graffiti in the community of Monrovia is the Stop Graffiti Bounty Program.  If a citizen reports an incident of graffiti in the City of Monrovia that leads to the arrest of the suspect, the citizen will receive a $100 bill.  Help keep Monrovia looking great!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of February 13-15, 2012


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 433 service events, resulting in 96 investigations.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping.

Grand Theft Auto
On February 13 at 3:23 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of West Huntington reported her vehicle stolen from the parking lot.  She parked her vehicle in the lot near the front of the business at 7:00 a.m.  When she returned to her vehicle at 3:00 p.m., she discovered it missing.  The vehicle is a black, 1996 Honda Accord.  The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System and the investigation is continuing.

Attempted Vehicle Burglary
On February 13 at 6:23 p.m., an attempted vehicle burglary was reported at a condominium complex in the 700 block of South Myrtle.  The victim parked her vehicle in the bottom level parking structure at approximately 5:00 p.m.   She returned to her vehicle approximately one hour later and found that someone had attempted to smash the driver side window and had tried to pry open the passenger door.  The attempt was unsuccessful and there was no loss from inside the vehicle.  The investigation is continuing.

Residential burglary
On February 14 at 10:54 p.m., police responded to a residential burglary in the 400 block of East Olive.  The suspect entered through a doggy door.  The circuit breakers on the home were turned off, the Internet cable was pulled apart, and the only loss was an alarm clock and a cell phone charger.  Investigation continuing.


Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Robbery Case Update - Third Suspect Arrested
On February 9 at 10:57 p.m., three male suspects robbed a male victim while he was walking in the area of Colorado and Violet.  One of the suspects hit the victim in the face, possibly with a gun, and they took a small amount of cash he had on him and his cell phone.  Officers arrived quickly and detained two of the suspects in the area of Violet and Linwood; they were arrested for robbery.  The Foothill Air Support helicopter and Irwindale Police Department's canine unit assisted with a search for the third suspect, but he was not located. 

Following up on leads, detectives served a search warrant on February 15 on two locations.  The detectives were searching for the third suspect and a weapon used in the crime.  Detectives searched both locations and the weapon was not located.  The third suspect, however, was found at one of the locations and was arrested and taken into custody.


 Tip of the Week

Don't Drink & Drive
After a few alcoholic drinks, it becomes easy to rationalize with yourself that you're okay to drive. However, it's very simple: If you're driving - don't drink!  With drinking and driving laws becoming more strict, it's easy to become over the legal limit, and the repercussions could cost you, or someone else's life.

Arrange a Ride Beforehand - Part of planning your night out should include a ride home. Arranging a ride home beforehand will mean a more relaxing night and will eliminate any chance of rationalizing that you're okay to drive home after a few drinks.

Have a Designated Driver - Arrange with a friend or family member to be the designated driver before going out. Have a friend accompany you who's not going to drink, or phone him to come get you when you are ready to be picked up.

Intervene If Someone You Know Intends to Drive Drunk - If a friend or family member has had too much to drink and insists on driving, reason with her and persuade her to hand over the keys. Be calm and explain that you will arrange a ride home for her, and that you are doing her a favor by not letting her drive drunk

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of February 9-12, 2012


Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to the City of Monrovia website at www.cityofmonrovia.org and click on the crime mapping link.

Burglary / Robbery - One Suspect Arrested
On February 9 at 6:56 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a theft of merchandise that had just occurred.  The suspects were described as male Hispanics, both wearing hats and black t-shirts, one was wearing shorts and the other was wearing blue jeans.  When loss prevention officers told the suspects to come back into the store, both suspects ran.  One suspect ran off through the parking lot and out of sight.  The other suspect ran to a vehicle and drove away; he hit one of the loss prevention officers as he ran passed him to get to the vehicle.  The vehicle was stopped by Special Enforcement Team officers and the suspect was arrested for burglary and robbery.  The second suspect was not located.  Investigation continuing.

Robbery - Suspects Arrested
On February 9 at 10:57 p.m., a male subject called to report he had been robbed while walking in the area of Colorado and Violet.  He stated that there were three male suspects and one hit him in the face, possibly with a gun.  They took a small amount of cash he had on him and his cell phone.  Officers arrived quickly and detained two male subjects in the area of Violet and Linwood that fit the description of the suspects.  One of them had blood on his hand and clothing.  Paramedics were summoned to treat the victim.  The Foothill Air Support helicopter and Irwindale Police Department's canine unit were requested and responded to assist with a search for the third suspect, but he was not located.  The two suspects detained were arrested for robbery.  Investigation continuing.

Suspicious Circumstances / Possible Child Annoying
On February 10 at 5:34 p.m., officers responded to a report of child annoying.  The mother of a 10-year-old boy reported that her son was approached while walking home from school in the 200 block of East Foothill.  There were four male suspects in a light brown vehicle, possibly a Volkswagon, which pulled up next to him.  One of the suspects asked him to get into the car and said they had candy.  The suspects are described as four male subjects with long hair.  The suspect who spoke to the child is described as a male White, between the ages of 20-30 years old, with long blond hair, a scruffy goatee, and average build.  Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
On February 10 at 9:25 p.m., officers responded to the area of Hillcrest and Madison regarding the report of a traffic collision.  Officers arrived and found a black BMW with major damage parked along the curb, with the female driver inside.  Officers determined the BMW had sideswiped two unoccupied vehicles and then rear ended a third vehicle, causing it to move forward.  The female driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
On February 11 at 2:58 a.m., Irwindale Police Department requested Monrovia Police Department respond to Live Oak and Myrtle regarding a traffic collision that occurred in Monrovia's jurisdiction.  Officers responded and determined the driver was driving under the influence and the driver was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
On February 11 at 10:50 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of East Olive.  The victim parked his 2007 Chevy Tahoe to the rear of the location.  Sometime between February 9 and February 11, suspect(s) gained entry into the vehicle by punching the lock on the driver side door.  The two rear seats and some tools were taken.  Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
On February 11 at 1:46 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 3000 block of South Peck Road.  The victim went to the location and parked the vehicle in the lot while shopping.  When he returned approximately an hour and a half later, the vehicle was gone.  The vehicle is a gold, four-door, 1994 Nissan AltimaInvestigation continuing.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Robbery - Suspects Arrested
On February 11, an officer conducted a follow-up investigation regarding an assault with a deadly weapon and robbery case that occurred on February 4.  During the course of his investigation, he interviewed an additional witness and presented a photo line-up to the victim, who positively identified two of the suspects.  Both suspects live in the 800 block of West Duarte Road.  Special Enforcement Team officers went to the two locations and arrested the two suspects.  The officer interviewed one of the suspects, who admitted to fighting with the victim.  Both suspects were arrested and are being held, pending their court appearance.

Injured Animal
On February 12 at 9:36 a.m., the owner of a small dog and her mother were walking their dog on a leash when they stopped to read a missing dog flyer.  As they were reading the flyer, an unleashed boxer-mix dog ran between the two women and grabbed their small dog in its mouth.  The little dog sustained substantial bite wounds. The dog was taken to a local veterinarian, where it later died.  The boxer was taken to its home by a neighbor and secured in the rear yard.  The owners are out of town.  Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Pursuit / Vehicle Recovered - Suspect Arrested
On February 12 at 11:38 a.m., an officer on patrol ran the license plate of a suspicious vehicle and it returned stolen.  The vehicle entered the 210 Freeway and was followed by the officer.  When assisting units arrived, the officer conducted a high-risk traffic stop. The driver was ordered out of the car.  The driver exited the vehicle and ran, but was quickly detained by officers without further incident and was arrested.


Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

Felony Vandalism / Gang Enhancement - Suspects Arrested
On February 9 at 10:26 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were driving west on Huntington from Buena Vista when they saw a subject on the south side of Huntington who appeared to be etching something into the tree.  They made a u-turn to contact the subject.  The subject saw the officers and began walking away.  He was detained and a fresh etching of gang graffiti was found on the tree.  The subject is a known gang member and was arrested.  The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department gang deputy was advised and will be writing a supplemental report for the gang enhancement charge, which makes this a felony.

Possession of Stolen Property - Suspect Arrested
On February 10 at 7:43 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation with three subjects inside.  A consent search of the vehicle revealed a stolen Mac laptop reported to the Pasadena Police Department.  One of the subjects had claimed the laptop was his.  He was arrested for possession of stolen property.

Wanted Burglary Suspect Arrested
Special Enforcement Team officers were notified by Arcadia Police Department of a wanted burglary suspect and later learned the suspect lives and works in Monrovia in the 100 block of South Encinitas.  On February 11 at 10:54 p.m., they set up surveillance on the suspect's work location and saw him exit the rear door and walk toward his residence.  They detained and arrested the suspect and released him to Arcadia Police Department's custody.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of February 6-8, 2012


 
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 419 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping.

Please visit the new website and Stay informed with what is going on in your community.   

Vehicle Burglaries
On February 7 at 7:01 p.m., officers responded to two vehicle burglaries which occurred in a business parking lot in the 700 Block East Huntington.  The suspect(s) punched the locks on the driver side door of each vehicle.  Wallets and a cell phone were stolen.  The suspect vehicle is a smaller, light-colored SUV, and the vehicle was last seen driving toward Shamrock.  Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery - Suspect Arrested 
On February 8 at 7:59 p.m., an officer on routine patrol was driving through a parking lot in the 100 block of West Foothill and came across a confirmed stolen vehicle.  Assisting officers arrived and four subjects were detained.  The male subject who was in the driver's seat said he borrowed the car from his sister; he was arrested for grand theft auto and taken into custody.  He was also found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for grand theft auto.  

Possession of Narcotics / Receiving Stolen Property - Suspects Arrested
On February 9 at 4:54 a.m., an officer saw two suspicious subjects walking in the area of Ivy and Olive, which has recently experienced an increase in vehicle burglaries.  The suspects were contacted by officers.  A subsequent investigation revealed that the suspects were in possession of stolen property and narcotics.  Both suspects were arrested.  Officers located the victim/owner of the stolen property.  The case is being reviewed by the District Attorney's office.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of February 2-5, 2012


Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to the City of Monrovia website at www.cityofmonrovia.org and click on the crime mapping link.

Grand Theft Auto - Utility Trailer
On February 3 at 7:06 a.m., a utility trailer was reported stolen from an unsecured parking lot in the 200 block of West Foothill.  The trailer did not have license plates on it. It was taken sometime between 4:00 p.m. on February 2 and 500 a.m. on February 3.  The investigation is continuing. 

Residential Burglary
On February 3 at 6:24 p.m., a female resident in the 400 block of East Olive reported her home had been burglarized sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 5:25 p.m. that day.  A laptop computer was taken, as well as the resident's black and white Boston Terrier.  The dog has a microchip.  Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft / Drunk in Public - Suspect Arrested
On February 3 at 12:01 a.m., a sergeant on patrol witnessed a male subject come out of a bar in the 300 block of West Foothill, walk across Magnolia, and pickup up the corner resident's potted plant.  The male subject began walking away with the plant.  The sergeant stopped him.  The owner of the property was located, an elderly female, and she desired prosecution.  The plant was returned to the owner and the suspect was arrested, not only for the theft, but for being drunk in public.

Mail Tampering / Weapons Offense - Suspects Arrested
On February 4 at 4:56 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of North Alta Vista regarding a male and female subject in a black car that were taking mail out of mailboxes.  Officers located the vehicle and stopped it.  The investigation revealed a large quantity of stolen mail, burglary tools, and a loaded revolver in the vehicle.  The revolver was found by the battery in the engine compartment of the car.  Both the male and female subject were arrested and charged with conspiracy, receiving stolen property, mail tampering, and weapons charges.

Battery
On February 5 at 10:06 p.m., police responded to the report of a battery that occurred in the 200 block of Madeline.  The adult male victim was standing in front of his residence when he was approached by the suspect, his girlfriend's former boyfriend.  The suspect approached the victim in a friendly manner and asked if he would be willing to speak with him.  The victim agreed.  Without warning, the suspect punched the victim in the face several times.  The suspect then left the location.  The victim sustained a swollen left eye as a result of the battery.  The investigation is continuing.


Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

Assault With a Deadly Weapon Warrant - Suspect Arrested
On February 3, the Special Enforcement Team was on patrol and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle.  A computer check revealed the driver was wanted by Monrovia Police Department for assault with a deadly weapon.  The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.  


Stop Graffiti Bounty Program

One of the methods the Monrovia Police Department is using to combat graffiti in the community of Monrovia is the Stop Graffiti Bounty Program.  If a citizen reports an incident of graffiti in the City of Monrovia that leads to the arrest of the suspect, the citizen will receive a $100 bill.  Help keep Monrovia looking great!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of January 30 - February 1, 2012


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 470 service events, resulting in 106 investigations.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping.

Vehicle Burglaries
On January 30, officers responded to several vehicle burglary reports at a condominium complex in the 100 block of West Colorado in the secured tenant parking area.  Items taken varied from car parts to in-dash radios.  Additionally, a garage door opener was taken in one of the burglaries.  The investigation is continuing.

Theft - Suspects Arrested
On January 31 at 11:27 p.m., a witness called police and reported a male and female suspect stealing his neighbor's bicycle from the 100 Block of West Colorado.  An officer stopped a couple matching the description near the location.  The witness positively identified both suspects and they were still in possession of the bicycle.  The victim desires prosecution.  They were both arrested for the theft.

Theft From a Vehicle
On February 1 at 3:10 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of East Los Angeles regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim's front bumper was missing from his 2000 Honda Civic.  Investigation continuing.

Brandishing a Replica Firearm - Suspect Arrested
On February 1 at 11:35 p.m., police received a call reporting a man with a gun inside a bar in the 100 block of East Olive.  The reporting party said the male suspect had displayed a handgun, causing the customers to become fearful.  Officers arrived and the man was detained without incident.  The weapon was a BB gun that looked like a pistol.  The suspect claimed to be a gang member and said he needed the gun for protection.  He was arrested and taken into custody.


Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Hit & Run Traffic Collision - Suspect pleads to Felony Charge
On January 27, a hit and run traffic collision occurred at Huntington and Canyon, where a 12-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle as she tried to cross the street.  The driver fled the scene, but through investigation, was located and arrested.  The child was severely injured and was taken by helicopter to a hospital in critical condition.  Detectives submitted the felony hit and run case to the District Attorney for filing.  The suspect pled to the felony charge and accepted a sentence of 180 days in jail and 3 years probation.

Search Warrant - Additional Victim Identified
A proactive investigation by patrol officers gave Monrovia Police Department's Detective Bureau enough information to secure a search warrant for a residence in the 200 block of West Olive, which was served on January 25.  The residents are suspected to be selling stolen property and narcotics from the residence.  An additional victim was identified this week from this case.  That brings the total to six victims of theft.