Thursday, September 27, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of September 24-26, 2012


Car-Jacking / Armed Robbery
September 25 at 6:38 a.m., a male victim called police and reported that he just had his vehicle taken from him at gunpoint on Fifth Avenue, between Chestnut and Walnut.  One of the suspects approached the victim and asked if he would help jump start his late 1980's, small, white, pickup truck.  The truck was occupied by another suspect and was parked on Fifth Avenue.  The victim agreed to help and drove his vehicle up to the suspect's vehicle, at which time one of the suspects pointed a small, silver-colored handgun at the victim and demanded all his money.  The victim complied and the suspects fled the area, one in the suspect's pickup truck and the other in the victim's 2002, green Dodge Caravan. 

Suspect one, the driver of the pickup, is only described as a male, unknown race.  Suspect two, the suspect who took the victim's money and drove off in his vehicle, is described as a male White, in his late 30's, 5'9" tall, thin build, with blond shoulder length hair, wearing blue jeans and a blue T-shirt with a circle logo on the front.  Officers searched the area for the suspects, but were unable to locate them.  Investigation continuing.


Tip of the Week

Child Car Seat Safety
"Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States.  The best way to protect them in the car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way," a message from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Effective January 1, 2012, children under 8 years of age must be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat, in the back seat of a vehicle.  There is an "or" clause if the child has reached a height of 4'9".  Shoulder belt should be at mid-shoulder and lap belt should be across thighs.

This week is Child Passenger Safety Week in California and serves as a reminder to parents and everyone who transports kids to make sure they are properly fitted for their car/booster seats and seat belts.  Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for tips and important information on child passenger safety!  Click on Child Seat Inspection Station Locator to find an inspection location near you.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of September 17-19, 2012


Medical Assist
September 19 at 1:39 a.m., police received a call reporting a man not breathing at a residence in the 800 block of West Walnut.  Officers responded and found a 50-year-old man unconscious.  They administered four shocks from an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and performed CPR until they were relieved by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics.  The victim was taken to a hospital for further treatment.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
September 19 at 3:07 p.m., a stolen vehicle was located in the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of East Los Angeles Street.  The vehicle had been previously repossessed from the location.  The repossession company in Los Angeles discovered the vehicle was missing from their lot and reported in stolen to the Los Angeles Police Department.  The vehicle was discovered in the backyard of the residence, exactly where it had been repossessed from a few days prior.  The vehicle was recovered and returned to the repossession company.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 19 at 9:50 p.m., a vehicle burglary occurred in the 200 block of Grand. Witnesses saw two suspects ransacking the victim's truck, which was parked on the street.  Tools were stolen from the vehicle.  The victim reported that the vehicle was locked.  The suspects gained entry by an unknown means.  Suspect #1 is described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 30 years old, 5'9" to 6'0" tall, dark hair, a tattoo on the left side of his neck, wearing a gray shirt and dark pants.  Suspect #2 is described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 30 years old, 5'6" tall, wearing a gray sweatshirt and dark pants.  The suspects fled in a small vehicle with round tail lights.  Investigation continuing.


Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Attempted Murder Case Update
Detectives investigated a shooting that occurred on September 15 involving three suspects.  The suspects fired two or three shots at a male and female sitting on the porch of a residence in the 100 block of East Los Angeles Street.  The female was hit in the torso and upper right leg by what appears to be bird shot from a shotgun.  A van matching the suspect vehicle description was seen entering the 210 Freeway and was followed and stopped by police on the 605 Freeway.  The van was positively identified as the suspect vehicle and the three suspects inside were arrested.  The female victim is in stable condition. 

Detectives filed the case with the District Attorney's Office and felony charges of attempted murder were filed against the suspects.  The suspects were arraigned and are being held for a preliminary hearing.


Tip of the Week

Vehicle Burglary Prevention
Thieves look for easy and inviting targets when it comes to selecting a vehicle to burglarize or steal from. It is up to you to make every effort to prevent your car from being targeted.  Here are some basic tips that will make your vehicle a little less inviting to thieves:

*LOCK your car!

*Always park in well-lighted areas.

*Install motion lights in your driveway.

*Install and use a vehicle alarm.

*DO NOT leave valuables in plain view.

*Leave all items of value at home if possible.

*Look around when you park. Notice anyone or anything suspicious? Write down license    plates and descriptions. Alert on-site security or staff and CALL the police.

Many auto burglaries or thefts from cars occur right in a residential driveway, and too often, it is because the vehicle was never locked.  Suspects will often target cars that are left unlocked, walking up and down a street trying car doors all the way.  Take the time to secure your vehicle.  Other thieves target victims by watching what is placed inside a trunk or hatch.  If you plan on stopping by the gym, park, or elsewhere after work, take the time before you leave to place your belongings safely in the trunk.  Don't wait until you park to then transfer your laptop, purse, bag, or briefcase to the trunk. Thieves may be watching and targeting your car.

These are just a few tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim of auto burglary. Be proactive, look around, and most importantly, don't hesitate to call the police if you see something or someone suspicious

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of September 13-16, 2012


Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 5:53 p.m., a vehicle was traveling south on Myrtle, South of Duarte, lost control, hit the curb and went airborne.  The vehicle collided into a telephone pole and light pole, knocking them both down and starting an electrical fire.  Officers arrived and determined the driver to be driving under the influence.  The driver sustained minor injuries.  The driver was arrested.

Shots Fired / Attempted Murder - Suspects Arrested
September 15th at 11:25 p.m., Monrovia Police Officers were in the 100 block of Montana handling a loud party call when they heard the sound of shots fired.  Units immediately broke and began an area check.  A victim was found in the 100 block of East Los Angeles.  Officers were told by witnesses that a Maroon van was seen driving northbound through the north/south alley of the 1300 block of South Myrtle.  As it turned onto eastbound Los Angeles, two or three shots were fired at a male and female sitting on the porch of a residence in the 100 block of Los Angeles.  The female was hit in the torso and upper right leg by what appears to be bird shot from a shotgun. 

An officer in the area saw a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description getting onto the 210 Freeway, eastbound, and stopped the vehicle at Ramona and the 605 Freeway.  The van was occupied by three male Hispanic suspects.  The Van was positively identified as the suspect vehicle and the three suspects were arrested.  The female victim is in stable condition.  Initial investigation indicates this shooting may be gang related.

Drunk in Public - Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 2:40 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Pilgrim Way regarding a disturbance involving a male and female.  The female called police and stated she was worried that her boyfriend, who had been drinking all day, was going to get into his car and drive home.  When officers arrived, the male was outside near his vehicle.  He was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of September 10-12, 2012


Felon in Possession of Body Armor - Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 4:20 p.m., a speeding vehicle in the 2100 block of South Myrtle was stopped by an officer on patrol.  The driver was identified and found to be on felony probation.  A consent search of the vehicle was conducted and a bullet resistant vest was found in the vehicle.  The suspect was arrested for the charge of felon in possession of body armor.

Fire Assist
September 10 at 10:09 p.m., officers responded to a local private college in the 100 block of East Huntington due to smoke coming from the roof of the building.  The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was on scene as officers arrived to check for flames.  Air Support advised that the smoke was coming from the northwest corner of the roof.  Officers evacuated the entire building and stopped northbound traffic on Myrtle and westbound traffic on Huntington.  The Monrovia Fire Department arrived and located an air conditioning unit on the roof that was on fire and put the fire out.  There were no injuries involved.  

Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 4:01 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a male adult riding a bicycle at Peck and Longden for a traffic violation.  Prior to any search, the subject stated he was on parole and had methamphetamine in his pocket.  The officer retrieved a small plastic container that contained methamphetamine.  The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 10:08 a.m., a couple was arguing in the lobby of a hotel located in the 900 block of West Huntington and police were requested.  The subjects left the location prior to officers arriving, but were found nearby in a parking lot.  The officers contacted the subjects and determined the male subject to be under the influence of drugs.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

Burglary
September 11 at 9:58 p.m., a male subject at a gym in the 700 block of East Huntington put his property in a locker and secured it.  When he returned to the locker, he found his lock missing and his wallet stolen.  Investigation continuing.

Possession of a Methamphetamine Pipe / Driving on a Suspended Driver's License - Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 3:57 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers on patrol observed a driver acting suspiciously in the north end of the city.  While the officers were following the suspect, they saw the driver throw a glass pipe out of the vehicle.  When the officers tried to stop the vehicle, the driver slowed down, but did not stop for several hundred yards, eventually stopping at Foothill and Heliotrope.  The suspect was also found to be driving on a suspended license.  He was arrested for the above listed charges without further incident.

Grand Theft Auto - Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 7:33 p.m., an officer on patrol saw a suspect walking in the area of Canyon and Foothill that was wanted for grand theft auto.  The suspect was arrested without incident.  The suspect was later found to be in possession of items that belonged to residents who live in the 300 block of Wildrose.  When officers contacted the residents, it was learned they were victims of unreported thefts which occurred on September 10.  An unknown suspect had stolen their wallets from their two unlocked cars.  The victims identified their stolen property, and the suspect was additionally charged with receiving stolen property.


Tip of the Week

Bullying Prevention

Bullying is one of the most serious concerns in our schools today.  Bullying occurs in all grade levels and can consist of words, name calling, threatening or intimidating comments.  It can be sexually, verbally, or emotionally harmful, which often results in serious violent crimes. 

If you think you have witnessed a bullying situation or your child has been the victim of bullying and you want to learn more, please click on stopbullying.gov.  Learn how you can be part of the solution to bullying.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of September 6-9, 2012


Gang Injunction - Suspects Arrested
On September 7 at 8:56 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of East Duarte for a littering violation.  Upon contacting the occupants, the officer found the three occupants to be in violation of Monrovia's gang injunction.  The occupants were arrested for the violation and later released on a citation.

Burglary
On September 7 at 10:44 p.m., police responded to a business in the 100 block of West Foothill regarding a burglary.  A security guard in the parking lot observed two females exit a vehicle and place black tape across the rear license plate to obstruct it.  The two females entered the business and the guard remained in the parking lot to monitor the vehicle.

Several minutes later, the two females exited the market with a shopping cart full of store merchandise.  As the females approached their vehicle, they saw the security guard and fled on foot, leaving the merchandise and their vehicle behind.  The officer who responded recovered enough evidence to establish a burglary and to possibly identify one of the suspects.  The vehicle was stored and the investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglaries
On September 8, four vehicle burglaries were reported throughout the day.  The burglaries occurred in the 400 block of East Cypress, the 800 block of West Hillcrest and in the 600 and 700 blocks of West Foothill.  The entry into the vehicles appears similar and was possibly made by the same suspect(s).  The door locks on all four vehicles were broken to gain entry.  The investigation is continuing.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of September 3-5, 2012


Theft From a Vehicle
September 6 at 1:41 a.m., a theft from an unlocked vehicle was reported in the 300 block of East Hillcrest.  The vehicle was parked in the victim's driveway.  The victim heard noises, looked out his window and saw an unknown suspect exit his vehicle and run eastbound.  A purse was stolen from the vehicle.  The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 25-30 years old, medium build, wearing a white shirt, white shorts and white shoes.  The investigation is continuing.


Tip of the Week

Living With California Mountain Lions
There has been very little research on how to avoid mountain lion attacks.  But mountain lion attacks that have occurred are being analyzed in the hope that some crucial questions can be answered.  Following are safety tips and information provided by the California Department of Fish and Game.  For further, more detailed, information click on Living With California Mountain Lions.   

Do Not Hike Alone:  Go in groups, with adults supervising children.

Keep Children Close To You:  Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children.  Keep children within your sight at all times.

Do Not Approach a Lion:  Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation.  Give them a way to escape.

Do Not Run From a Lion:  Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal.  Make eye contact.  If you have small children with you, pick them up, if possible, so they don't panic and run.  Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.

Do Not Crouch Down or Bend Over:   A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal.

Do All You Can To Appear Larger:  Raise your arms.  Open your jacket if you are wearing one.

Fight Back If Attacked:  Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back.  Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.  The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.

Immediately Report All Encounters or Sightings.


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of August 30 - September 2, 2012


Vehicle Burglary
August 30 at 7:58 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of Linwood.  The victim parked his vehicle in front of a residence at 8:00 p.m. in the evening and returned to it the next morning at 7:50 a.m.  When he returned to the vehicle, he found the door lock was punched.  A CD player and subwoofers speakers were taken.  Investigation continuing.

Bank Robbery
August 30 at 12:54 p.m., officers responded to a robbery at a bank in the 600 block of West Huntington.  The suspect handed the bank teller a note, money was given to the suspect, and the suspect walked out.  No weapon was seen.  The suspect got into a silver, 2010 Chevy Impala and drove away.  Surrounding agencies were notified.  The suspect is described as a male, Black, 5' 8" tall, thin build, thin moustache, thin goatee, wearing a red, white and black plaid shirt and dark sunglasses.  The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft From a Vehicle
August 30 at 17:32 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Palm regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim parked her vehicle at 7:30 in the evening and did not lock it.  When she returned to her vehicle in the morning, she found her laptop computer, purse with cash in it and her wedding ring had been stolen.  Investigation continuing.

Theft - Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 9:30 a.m., a customer at a fast food restaurant in the 800 block of East Huntington left his briefcase full of valuables on the floor of the business and walked away briefly.  While the man's attention was away from his briefcase, a male suspect took the case, walked out of the business and drove away with it.  Through witness interviews, it was learned that the suspect possibly worked for a local business.  The manager of the business was contacted and was able to identify the suspect on video surveillance as one of his employees.  The suspect was contacted by phone and immediately returned with the briefcase.  He was arrested for the crime and the stolen property was returned to its owner.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 1 at 9:29 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 200 block of West Olive observed an unoccupied, parked vehicle with the front passenger door open.  He stopped and ran the license plate number, which returned to an address in the 200 block of West Olive.  The officer made contact with the owners of the vehicle.  They told the officer they had parked the vehicle the night before and had left it unlocked.  The loss from the vehicle was a cell phone charger, a bluetooth headset, and medication.  Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 2:14 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington reported a shoplifter in custody.  The suspect used a pair of scissors to cut tags and security sensors off merchandise and concealed the items on his person.  He then exited the store without paying and was detained by loss prevention.  The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
September 1 at 3:44 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 500 block of Diamond.  The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence in the evening.  He locked and secured the vehicle and went inside.  He returned to the vehicle at 5:00 a.m. the next morning and his vehicle was missing.  The victim went to work and did not report the crime until he returned home from work.  The vehicle is a gold, four-door, 1997 Honda Accord.  Investigation continuing.

Attempt Assault With a Deadly Weapon - Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 4:33 p.m., Monrovia Library personnel reported a subject with a knife chasing the library security guard.  Officers arrived and detained the suspect.  Apparently, the suspect became upset while trying to use the copier in the library and began yelling at library employees and patrons.  When the security guard tried to talk with the suspect, he pulled out a folding knife and began swinging it at the security guard.  The security guard held his baton in front of the suspect to keep him at bay.  Officers arrived and the suspect was arrested without further incident.

Vehicle Burglary
September 1 at 9:49 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 800 block of West Huntington.  An employee of a business parked her vehicle in the parking lot and went in to work.  When she returned to her vehicle at 9:45 p.m., she found that someone had tampered with the driver's door.  Upon further inspection of the vehicle, the victim noticed the hood had been opened and it appeared someone may have tried to remove parts from the engine, but had abandoned their efforts.  No items were missing from the vehicle.  Investigation continuing.


Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

On August 29, Special Enforcement Team officers assisted patrol on a commercial burglary investigation at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington.  They arrived on scene and located two suspects running from the area.  The officers detained the suspects and one of them was identified as the theft suspect.  Both suspects were arrested by patrol officers, one for burglary and the other for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

On August 31, Special Enforcement Team officers arrested a known gang member for violating Monrovia's gang injunction.  The gang member was in the gang injunction safety zone after curfew and was in possession of marijuana.