Monday, October 29, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of October 25-28, 2012


Receiving Stolen Property / Parole Hold - Suspect Arrested
On October 25 at 11:35 p.m., officers stopped a bicyclist for not having a headlight in the 900 block of Encino.  The bicyclist is currently on parole, and he told officers that he borrowed the bicycle from his brother, who had stolen it.  He was arrested, and during the booking process, it was discovered that he is a parolee at large.  He was charged with receiving stolen property and a parole hold was obtained.

Burglary / Sexual Battery With Intent to Commit Rape - Suspect Arrested
On October 26 at 3:38 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of West Colorado regarding a female yelling for help.  A male suspect approached the female victim's front door and shook the handle and then knocked.  The victim looked out her window and recognized the suspect as someone who used to work with her.  The victim cracked the door open and the suspect asked for the victim by name.  The victim asked him what he wanted, and he replied that he was going to rape her, and he forced the door open. 

As the suspect forced the door open, the victim grabbed the door frame and yelled for help.  She was overpowered by the suspect and he pushed her to the floor.  The suspect climbed on top of the victim, stared at her face, and, again, told her he was going to rape her.  The victim continued to scream for help.  Three male subjects heard the victim's screams, grabbed the suspect, and pulled him out to the sidewalk, where they held him until officers arrived. 

When officers arrived, the suspect was still struggling to get away.  The suspect was arrested and taken into custody without further incident.  The victim suffered no injuries, but was shaken up from the incident

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of October 22-24, 2012


Fire Assist
October 23 at 12:47 p.m., a fire began in a wall between classrooms at a preschool in the 1000 block of South Canyon.  The school was evacuated smoothly, police department staff was on scene to monitor the children and facilitate their release to parents/guardians.  No injuries or problems were reported.

Residential Burglary
October 23 at 8:23 p.m., a burglary was reported at a residence in the 200 block of West Central.  The crime occurred on Saturday, October 20, sometime between 5:30 and 11:30 p.m.  The victim didn't notice the loss until October 23.  The suspect forced open the front door to gain entry.  Cash, cologne, and the pink slips to two vehicles were stolen.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 24 at 11:45 a.m., a traffic accident was reported at Alta Vista and Foothill.  Police responded and found a female driver and a female passenger had been injured in the collision.  The injuries were not life threatening.  The investigation is continuing.


Tip of the Week

Talk to Your Kids About Drugs

During the week of October 23 through 31, the Monrovia Police Department celebrated Red Ribbon Week 2012.  Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign to raise awareness about substance abuse among our youth and our communities.  In 1985, DEA Agent Enrique, "Kiki," Camarena was murdered by a drug cartel.  To honor his memory and to show support that we will continue the fight against illegal drugs, Monrovia Police Officers wore red ribbons and red bracelets as part of our uniform.   Monrovia schools have passed out red bracelets to children to encourage kids to support the fight against illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use.   

Talk to your children early about drugs before they become involved, be involved in their lives, keep them occupied with activities, spend time with them, and know who their friends are.  Drug abuse can start at a very young age, so you need to know who your children are with at all times.  Peer pressure can cause even the most logical teenagers to fall victim to drugs.  Let your child know that you don't want to see them hurt or in trouble, and explain that he or she should not use illegal drugs under any circumstances, and to do so will result in serious consequences.  Teach your children to say "NO" to drugs.  Parents are the most powerful influence in a child's life in preventing drug and alcohol use - so teach them early.    

Monday, October 22, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of October 18-21, 2012


Hit & Run Traffic Collision - Vehicle vs. Bicyclist
October 19 at 7:46 a.m., officers responded to the 800 block of East Huntington regarding a hit and run traffic accident.  A bicyclist was in the number two lane and stopped for the red light at Mountain.  A white compact vehicle approached in the same lane to the left of a bicyclist and began to make a turn onto Mountain.  During the turning movement, the vehicle struck the bicyclist, causing him to fall to the ground.  The driver of the vehicle exited to check on the bicyclist and tried to render assistance, but the bicyclist indicated that his leg might be broken and not to move him.  The driver returned to his vehicle and fled the scene south on Mountain. 

The bicyclist was treated by paramedics and taken to a hospital by ambulance for pain to his left leg.  The hit and run driver is described as a dark-complected, African-American male, wearing a black security uniform. 

Traffic Collision - Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
October 19 at 1:07 p.m., an accident was reported in the 600 block of South Myrtle involving a subject in a wheelchair.  The subject in the wheelchair was crossing Myrtle in the crosswalk and was struck by a vehicle going southbound on Myrtle.  The vehicle tapped the wheelchair, causing it to spin.  The subject sustained a small abrasion to the lower left leg and was treated by paramedics at the scene and released.  The driver of the vehicle was cited and released.

Indecent Exposure / Obstructing & Delaying a Peace Officer / Battery on a Peace Officer - Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 9:36 p.m., a business in the 300 block of West Huntington reported that a male subject was exposing himself in public.  Officers arrived and found the suspect in the loading dock area of a business.  He was contacted by officers, but refused to cooperate.  He refused to follow repeated commands from the officers and became combative.  The suspect resisted arrest and fought with officers until additional units arrived to assist in taking him into custody.  Two of the officers involved sustained injuries.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
October 21 at 1:45 a.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were traveling west on Foothill, near California, when they saw a vehicle traveling head on with them in the wrong lane.  They conducted a traffic stop, and the driver was determined to be driving under the influence.  The driver was arrested and the vehicle was stored.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
October 21 at 2:40 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 2300 block of Primrose.  After investigation, the driver was found to be driving under the influence.  He was arrested and the vehicle was stored.


Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity
                                                                                               
Felony Warrant for Possession of Dangerous Drugs - Suspect Arrested
On October 18, Special Enforcement Team officers conducted a traffic stop on a subject that was found to have a felony warrant for possession of dangerous drugs out of San Bernardino Sheriff's Department.  The subject was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Driving Under the Influence  - Suspect Arrested
On October 20, Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a vehicle driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Foothill near California.  The driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.  The vehicle was stored.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of October 15-17, 2012


Felony Hit & Run Traffic Accident
October 16 at 6:36 p.m., police responded to a traffic accident reported in the 1100 block of South Mountain.  An 18-year-old male subject was jay-walking westbound across the street in the 1100 block of South Mountain.  A dark blue, 2-door, compact car was traveling southbound and struck the pedestrian.  The vehicle did not stop and was last seen westbound on Huntington.  The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he was treated for a broken leg.  The investigation is continuing.

Fire Assist / Mental Evaluation
October 17 at 10:46 p.m., the Monrovia Fire Department responded to a location in the 100 block of South Violet regarding a fire.  They were told a fire had erupted in one of the apartments two hours earlier.  When fire personnel tried to investigate, the male resident was uncooperative and said there was no fire.  Fire personnel looked in through a window and saw fire damage.  Police were requested and officers responded to contact the resident.  Initially, he denied there was a fire, but officers confirmed there was a large kitchen fire, which damaged the entire kitchen and ceiling area.  The resident was found to be mentally unstable and was taken to a hospital and placed on a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of October 8-14, 2012


Grand Theft Auto
October 10 at 6:24 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 1600 block of South Mountain.  The vehicle was taken sometime between 11:55 a.m. and 6:24 p.m.  The vehicle is a gray, 1999, Honda Civic hatchback.  Investigation continuing.
Domestic Violence
October 11 at 11:30 a.m., police responded to a report of domestic violence in the 1100 block of Sesmas Street.  A male suspect forced his way into the residence of his ex-girlfriend after she refused to allow him entry.  Once inside, the male struck the female multiple times.  The suspect fled prior to officer's arrival.  A wanted person entry was entered into the computer system for the suspect.  Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
October 11 at 12:40 p.m., the operator of a business located in the 1300 block of South Peck Road called to report an abandoned vehicle.  A black pickup truck was left behind by two males and two females who had tried to sell the vehicle to the operator.  The operator told the subjects he could not purchase the vehicle without the bill of sale and title.  The subjects said they were unable to start the vehicle, but would return for it later.  When they did not return, the operator called police to report the vehicle abandoned.  When the vehicle was run through the stolen vehicle system by police, it was found to be a reported stolen out of Covina.  The investigation is continuing.

Critical Missing Person - Subject Located
October 12 at 6:35 p.m., an elderly male with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's went missing at the Monrovia Street Fair near Myrtle and Colorado.  Officers responded immediately and began an area search.  The subject was located a short time later when he answered his cell phone and was able to tell officers his location.

Residential Burglary
October 12 at 10:43 p.m., a resident who lives in the 300 block of Bradoaks reported his home had been burglarized.  He returned home and entered through the garage.  He immediately noticed drawers and closet doors were open and knew someone had broken into his house.  He exited the home and called police.  Officers arrived and cleared the house.  It appears the suspect(s) entered the residence through a bathroom window and ransacked the home.  The only items found missing were a computer, social security card and a passport.  The investigation is continuing.

Fight in Progress / Trespassing / Obstructing & Delaying a Peace Officer - Suspect Arrested
October 12 at 11:17 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1800 block of South Peck regarding a fight in progress.  Officers were told that an intoxicated subject was creating a disturbance.  He was asked to leave by the resident, but he refused. Officers contacted the subject, who walked away from them and was uncooperative.  He was arrested for trespassing and obstructing and delaying a peace officer.

Suspicious Subject / Mental Evaluation
October 13 at 1:14 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of North Garfield called police to report a suspicious person dancing in their backyard.  Officers responded and detained a female who appeared to be under the influence of drugs.  The suspect is a resident of a sober living facility a few doors south of the victim's home.  She apparently wandered away from the home and walked into the victim's backyard, where she began dancing. After the suspect was detained, she claimed to have no recollection of what happened.  She was transported to a hospital, where she was examined and placed on a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation.

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of Marijuana in a Vehicle - Suspect Arrested
October 13 at 10:49 p.m., callers reported a male subject driving erratically north on Myrtle and then east on Hillcrest.  The driver almost struck some parked cars and then drove into opposing lanes.  Dispatch ran the license plate number and broadcast the registration address for the vehicle.  An officer located the driver attempting to make a u-turn in front of his home.  He was stopped and determined to be driving under the influence.  During a search of the vehicle, a sandwich bag containing marijuana was located in the center console.  The driver was arrested for the above listed charges.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 9:55 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Mayflower, approaching Huntington.  A female driver pulled out of a driveway parking lot in front of a male driver, failing to yield.  The male driver then exited his vehicle and ran from the scene, but was apprehended by officers.  He was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was driving with a suspended license.  The male driver was arrested and taken into custody for the above listed charges.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 1:29 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 300 block of West Duarte Road saw a suspicious male standing in front of a closed business.  The male was looking around, and when he saw the officer, he began walking quickly away from the business. The officer contacted the subject and immediately noticed symptoms of being under the influence of a stimulant.  The subject was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested and taken into custody, where he was held for detoxification.


Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
On October 11, the Special Enforcement Team assisted patrol officers with a suspicious subject call at a bar in the 300 block of West Huntington.  The subject was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.  The vehicle was stored.

Burglary - Suspects Arrested
On October 12, the Special Enforcement Team assisted patrol with a petty theft that had just occurred at a business in the 300 block of West Huntington.  Special Enforcement Team officers detained and searched two suspects.  The one male suspect was found to be on parole and is a known gang member.  He was carrying a BB pistol in his waistband.  His parole agent was contacted and requested a parole hold placed on the suspect.  Both suspects were arrested and charged with burglary.

Tip of the Week
School's Open - Drive Carefully
The Monrovia Police Department and the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) are reminding drivers to be aware when school is open and to "Pay Attention, Slow Down, and Watch for Children."

The Police Department has placed posters sponsored by AAA in and around our schools in Monrovia to remind motorists to slow down in school zones and watch for children.  According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at a reduced school zone speed of 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.  School zone speed limits are in place to save lives. 

In addition to slowing down, the following advice will help motorists keep children safe as they navigate their way through school zones:
Ditch distractions - Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.

Stay alert - Don't rush into and out of driveways. Expect pedestrians on the sidewalk, especially around schools and in neighborhoods.

Stop at stop signs - It sounds obvious, but research shows that more than one third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods.

Watch for bikes - Children on bicycles are often unpredictable; expect the unexpected.

Brake for buses - A recent National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services survey showed that over 75,000 vehicles pass stopped school buses on a typical day, with more than three percent passing on the right. Not only is it dangerous, it's against the law.

Plan ahead - Leave early for your destination and build in extra time for congestion. If possible, modify your route to avoid school zones.


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of October 4-7, 2012


72-Hour Mental Evaluation
October 6 at 9:24 p.m., dispatch received a call from a distraught female subject who reported that her husband had possibly taken an overdose of pills and had expressed a desire to harm himself.  Officers and Monrovia Fire Department personnel responded to the 600 block of West Olive.  The man heard the approaching sirens and ran.  An area search was conducted with the help of the Foothill Air Support helicopter.  The subject was eventually found hiding in an empty lot west of Olive Park.  He was taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.

Petty Theft With Priors / Possession of Methamphetamine / Parole Hold - Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 1:52 p.m., a business in the 700 block of East Huntington called police to report a shoplifter.  A female suspect entered the store and told the cashier she wanted to return some items, but that she needed to pick up a few more items first.  While in the store, the suspect selected several items from the shelves and concealed them in her purse.  The suspect paid for a few items that were in her basket, but she never paid for the items in her purse.  The suspect left the store. 

Employees confronted the suspect outside the store, and the suspect asked if she could pay for the items instead of being arrested.  An officer arrived at the store and took custody of the suspect.  Methamphetamine and syringes were found in her purse, along with the stolen merchandise.  Further investigation revealed the suspect is on parole for burglary.  The suspect was booked for possession of methamphetamine, petty theft with priors, and a parole hold.


Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

Cultivation of Marijuana
October 4, Special Enforcement Team officers conducted a search warrant for marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 900 block of West Colorado.  Nineteen marijuana plants were taken for evidence, along with other cultivation materials.  A revolver was taken from the residence for safe keeping.  The female at the location was arrested for cultivation of marijuana.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of October 1-3, 2012


Assault With a Deadly Weapon  - Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 3:27 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of East Lemon called police to report that he had been assaulted by his brother.  The victim and his brother became involved in an argument and the brother ran at the victim with a folding knife that was locked in the open position.  As he ran at the victim, he threatened to kill him.  The suspect fled the location, but returned a couple hours later.  He was arrested and taken into custody.  An independent witness observed the crime.

Theft From an Unlocked Vehicle
October 2 at 6:42 p.m., a theft from an unlocked vehicle was reported in the 100 block of North Heliotrope.  The victim parked her vehicle on the street and left it unlocked with the window slightly down.  Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took the victim's credit cards and iPod from the center console.  Investigation continuing.

Possession of Burglary Tools / Possession of Stolen Property / Possession of Marijuana - Suspects Arrested
October 4 at 4:43 a.m., an officer observed two suspicious male subjects walking in the area of Canyon and Palm.  He turned his unit around and the subjects attempted to flee, but he was able to detain one of them.  Assisting officers arrived and began looking for the second male subject.  He was seen running from a nearby apartment complex and a foot pursuit ensued.  He was located attempting to hide in some bushes and was detained without further incident.  The subject was carrying a backpack which contained a woman's coin purse, a pair of women's prescription eyeglasses, a cell phone that didn't belong to him, and burglary tools.  He was arrested and was found to be currently on parole.  The other subject was cited for possession of marijuana.  Police are attempting to locate the victim(s) of the stolen property.


Tip of the Week

Gun Safety
Even if your family doesn't have a gun in the home, chances are that your child will come in contact with a gun at some time during his or her childhood.  Relatives and neighbors own guns that are probably hidden, but children may find them.  Children are exposed to guns early on from television, cartoons and movies, arousing their natural curiosity. 

The best safety measure for gun safety in the home is to avoid having one in your home.  However, if you already own a gun or plan to purchase one in the future, following the guidelines below can help protect your family's health and safety.  One fatal accident is one too many.

If you own a gun:

*        Always keep your gun unloaded and locked up.
*        Lock and store bullets in a separate location.
*        Make sure children do not have access to the gun lock keys.

If you do not own a gun:

*        Talk with your children about the risk of gun injury outside the home in places where they may visit and play.
*        Tell your children to stay away from guns when they are in the homes of their friends.
*        Speak with the parents of your children's friends to determine whether or not they have a gun in the home.
*        If they do, urge them to empty it out and lock it up.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of September 27-30, 2012


Stolen Vehicle Recovered
On September 27, a parking control officer on patrol located a green, 2002 Dodge Caravan that had been taken during a car-jacking incident that occurred on September 25.  The vehicle was left parked and unattended in the 300 block of West Olive.  The van was recovered and brought to the station for processing by the Detective Bureau.  The investigation is continuing. 

Theft From a Vehicle
September 19 at 1:04 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1400 block of Pilgrim Way.  The vehicle was parked in the victim's driveway and had been left unlocked by the victim's son.  Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim's unlocked vehicle and took the victim's checkbook and vehicle registration.  Investigation Continuing.

Drunk in Public / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Assault on a Peace Officer - Suspect Arrested
September 30 at 1:46 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of South Canyon regarding a female screaming.  When officers arrived, they found a female subject sitting in the driver's seat of her vehicle with a male subject in the passenger seat.  They contacted the subjects and separated them.  The male subject was intoxicated and refused to cooperate with officers.  He struggled with and yelled profanities at the officers.  He was arrested for being drunk in public and was taken to the Monrovia Jail, where he continued to struggle and swung his fists at officers after the handcuffs were removed and he was placed into a cell