Highlighted Activity for the Period of February 23-29,2012

Illegal Dumping / Mail Theft

On February 23 at 3:32 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Stedman on the report of a subject dumping trash out the back of his vehicle.  The trash was found to be empty FedEx boxes from houses in the area.  It appears the boxes were stolen after they were delivered.  The suspect removed the content of the boxes and then dumped the empty boxes.  Investigation continuing.

Suspicious Circumstances / Possible Trespassing

On February 23 at 10:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of South Canyon regarding the report of two male subjects on the roof of a building with lights flashing.  Officers surrounded the property and requested the Foothill Air Support helicopter to assist.  The helicopter responded and advised that no one was on the roof.  Officers searched the property and did not locate any suspects.  The building was secure and there were no signs of an attempt break-in. 

Traffic Violation / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Weapons Offense - Suspect Arrested

On February 24 at 8:48 p.m., an officer on routine patrol stopped a vehicle in the 100 block of West Walnut for running a stop sign.  When the officer contacted the driver, he smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.  A subsequent investigation revealed the driver to be under the influence of a controlled substance.  He was also found to be in possession of unauthorized prescription medication and a concealed billy club.  He was arrested for the above listed charges.    

Assault with a Deadly Weapon - Suspect Arrested

On February 25 at 9:49 a.m., a fight in progress was reported in the 900 block of Genoa involving approximately seven subjects.  Officers arrived on scene and found several family members were involved in a disturbance.  One family member was injured by another and sustained numerous contusions to his head.  The suspect, who was determined to be the primary aggressor, was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempted Residential Burglary

On February 28 at 3:20 p.m., a 15-year-old male subject that lives in the 200 block of Violet observed a male suspect tampering with the window screen on the backdoor of the apartment where he lives.  The suspect eventually left the area.  Police were not called until the subject's stepfather arrived home, a few hours later.  The window screen appeared to have been cut, but the suspect did not make entry into the home.  The suspect is described as a male, 6'0", thin build, wearing dark pants and a gray or black hooded sweatshirt, which covered his face and hands.  Investigation continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Gang member, Gary Sanchez, was convicted of murder in the Pasadena Superior Court last week.  Sanchez was convicted of several gun and gang enhancements, and is facing fifty years to life in prison.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23, 2012.

This case stems from an incident that occurred on December 15, 2009, at approximately 8:04 p.m.  Sanchez shot and killed Jason Gentile near the intersection of Colorado and California in Monrovia.  Sanchez also wounded Gentile's girlfriend, who has completely recovered from her wounds.  Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Detectives investigated this case, but Monrovia Police Department personnel played a major role in the investigation and prosecution.

Tip of the Week

Mail Theft Prevention

If you order items over the phone, via the Internet, or by mail, chances are those packages will be delivered straight to your front porch.  The majority of deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your door, even if no one is home to accept them.  Some thieves look for crime of opportunity, but other thieves actually target your delivery.  Thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, FedEx, US Mail, or other delivery trucks, and then target a home after a delivery is made.

Here are some suggestions for helping to prevent a theft of your packages:

• If possible, use your workplace as the shipping address.
• Track your shipments by phone or online so that you know what day they should arrive.
• Ask your neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home.
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons or vehicles in the area.
• Request a signature delivery option if available or request the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office.
• Check with "mailbox" businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee.
• If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.