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

Monrovia Police Department Providing Police Presence at City Schools

Our hearts go out to all touched by the tragedy that has occurred in Newtown, Connecticut.  This horrific event has affected us all.  Safety in our schools has always been, and continues to be, a high priority for law enforcement.  In response to this senseless act of violence, the Monrovia Police Department is providing an increased police presence at schools throughout the city.  Patrol officers have been instructed to periodically visit and touch base with all schools in the city during daytime hours.  The visits will be random and will occur at various times and locations.  This increased visibility is meant to help comfort and calm the fears of the children, parents, and school staff, alike.     

The Monrovia Police Department trains annually to deal with incidents of violence that might occur at a school.  The department has a tremendous collaborative working relationship with the Monrovia Unified School District.  Police Department and school staff meet and train regularly to ensure employees are prepared to deal with these rare, but critical, types of incidents.  Police officers conduct scenario training, yearly, at actual school campuses throughout the district, and each school in the district has prepared a crisis response box for the Police Department with information necessary to deal, immediately, with any incident at any school.    

Theft of Packages

December 17 at 3:15 p.m., a theft of packages was reported in the 500 block of Terrado.  The victim had packages delivered and they were left on the front porch.  A neighbor saw a white Chevy Silverado drive up quickly to the front of the victim's home.   The suspect exited the truck and ran up to the home, grabbed the two packages and ran back to the truck.  The vehicle fled southbound, out of sight.  The suspect is described as a young, male, African American.  Investigation continuing.

Tip of the Week

Prevent Theft of Packages

Theft of packages is an easy crime to commit and can be perpetrated by even the least professional type of criminal.  Below are some simple steps you can take to protect your package delivery:

Request a specific drop off time when you know that you will be at home to receive the package.

Ask for your parcel to be placed on a back porch or even beside the front porch or anywhere that is not visible from the street.

Arrange to pick up your parcels at a package store, such as a UPS store that is convenient for you.  

Let a trustworthy neighbor know you are expecting a package delivery on a specific day and ask them to look out for it and bring it into their home for you.

Have your package delivered to your work address during daytime hours.

Know when a package is scheduled to arrive and if it doesn't, contact the sender to track the transport status of the package.

And if you see mail theft happening in your neighborhood, be sure to call your local police at once to report exactly what you have seen.  Time can be a decisive factor in the apprehension of mail thieves.

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

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

On December 14 at 12:52 a.m., an officer observed a driver go through a stop light at Huntington and Magnolia. He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, and the investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol.  The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

On December 14 at 5:50 a.m., an officer observed a driver go through the stop sign at Mountain and Foothill.  He stopped the driver and conducted a DUI investigation.  The driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested  

On December 14 at 6:29 p.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 100 block of West Foothill.  A male suspect entered the store, concealed alcohol under his clothing and fled the location.  Loss prevention chased the suspect, caught him and called police.  The suspect admitted to entering the store with the intent to steal alcohol as he had no money to pay.  He was arrested and charged with burglary.

Weapons Violation / Warrants - Suspects Arrested

On December 15 at 3.20 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by two male subjects in the 200 block of East Huntington.  Both occupants had outstanding warrants, and the driver had a suspended driver's license.  Upon searching the vehicle, the officers located metal knuckles beneath the center bench seats.  The driver claimed ownership of the metal knuckles and was additionally charged for the weapons violation.  Both subjects were arrested.

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

Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale - Suspect Arrested

December 11 at 12:28 a.m., police received a call reporting suspicious individuals in the 300 block of West Palm.  When officers approached, they saw a male subject hide something in a bush.  Methamphetamine and cash was recovered.  The suspect, who is currently on parole, was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary

December 12 at 5:07 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported by a resident in the 500 block of Date Court.  The vehicle was parked on the second level of a parking structure between midnight and 5:00 a.m.  The victim reported that he locked his vehicle.  There were no signs of forced entry.  Tools were stolen from the vehicle.  Investigation continuing.

Hot-Prowl Burglary

December 12 at 11:26 p.m., a hot-prowl residential burglary was reported in the 1300 block of South Primrose.  The victim left for work at 8:00 a.m.  She locked her bedroom door before leaving.  When she returned at 11:15 p.m., she found her bedroom had been ransacked and her jewelry had been stolen.  The suspect had removed the screen from an unlocked rear window to enter the bedroom.  The victim's mother was in the house when the crime occurred, but did not hear or see anything suspicious.  Another family member was in the rear house, which faces the point of entry.  The family's dogs were heard barking at approximately 4:00 p.m., but no one checked to see what was disturbing them.  Investigation continuing.

Tip of the Week

DON'T FILL YOUR VEHICLE WITH PRESENTS FOR THIEVES!

It only takes a few seconds for thieves to break into your vehicle and steal your valuables.

It only takes a few seconds to remove your valuables and secure your vehicle.

Don't Be a Victim!

Auto-burglary prevention starts by limiting the criminal's opportunity to commit the crime and can be accomplished with very little time and effort.  Criminals are looking for something to steal - don't supply the valuables.  Leaving your valuables in your vehicle instantly makes your car a target for thieves.  

Take a few seconds to prevent auto-burglary!

The University of Oklahoma Police Department offers great auto-burglary prevention tips. Click on The Police Notebook to visit their website.

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

Vandalism

December 8 at 5:12 a.m., an employee at a business in the 100 block of West Foothill called to report that the glass front window of the neighboring business had been smashed.  Officers responded and checked for any evidence.  The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested

December 8 at 7:06 p.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 300 block of West Huntington.  A male suspect entered the business and went directly to an isle, where he placed two three-packs of beer under his sweater.  A store employee observed him leaving the store without attempting to pay and pursued him.  The suspect was apprehended by the store employee and convinced to return to the store.  He admitted to entering the store with the intent to steal the beer without any means or intent to pay for it.  He was arrested and charged with burglary.

Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested

December 8 at 9:36 p.m., the Monrovia Special Enforcement Team was assisting the El Monte Police Department in the containment of an armed robbery suspect and they were checking cars leaving the area for the suspect.  They observed a driver nearly collide with the car in front of him as he was talking on his cell phone.  They stopped him and while investigating the driver for possible driving under the influence, they observed a small baggie containing a white crystalline substance on the seat of the car.  The substance turned out to be methamphetamine.  The driver was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Traffic Collision - Light Signal Damaged

December 10 at 12:27 a.m., a male driver who was not paying attention to his driving while looking for a gas station collided into a light signal mounted on a center island.  The signal was damaged and will need to be replaced.  The Monrovia Fire Department and Southern California Edison responded to turn off the power to the loose wires. 

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

December 10 at 2:17 a.m., a male driver stopped his vehicle in the middle of the roadway at Mayflower and Duarte Road, turned the ignition off and fell asleep, leaving his headlights on and the car in drive with the keys in the ignition.  Passersby called police to check on the welfare of the subject.  When officers arrived, they discovered the driver was heavily intoxicated.  He was arrested for driving under the influence. 

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

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Pursuit / Felony Evading / Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft Auto - Suspects Arrested

December 4 at 4:43 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of East Greystone called to report two suspicious male subjects who were standing next to the resident's parked truck.  When the resident asked the subjects what they were doing, they ran to two nearby vehicles and quickly fled the area.  The vehicle descriptions were broadcast and officers located both of them driving south on Mountain from Foothill. 

Officers stopped one of the vehicles at Mountain and Lemon.  The other fled, continuing southbound on Mountain.  The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and collided into a wall at Mountain and Shrode.  The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot through yards and into a wash.  Los Angeles Sheriff's Department deputies responded to assist and detained the suspect at Mountain and Meridian.  He was positively identified as the driver of the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen out of West Covina. 

The suspect detained at Mountain and Lemon was found to be in possession of new power tools and had a suspicious story about how he obtained them.  A search was conducted of the area and officers found a vehicle parked in the 300 block of East Greystone that had fresh damage to the driver's door lock similar to the damage on the stolen vehicle.  Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.  The suspect who fled was charged with grand theft auto, felony evading, and conspiracy to commit grand theft auto.  The second suspect was charged with conspiracy to commit grand theft auto and suspicion of receiving stolen property.

Bank Robbery - Chase Bank in Monrovia

November 5, at approximately 10 a.m., a male suspect trying to disguise himself as a female robbed the Chase Bank at 690 West Huntington in Monrovia, California.

The suspect approached the teller's window carrying a briefcase.  The suspect made a demand for money and told the teller there was anthrax in the briefcase.  The teller gave the suspect the money. The suspect took the money and the briefcase and left the bank.  The suspect was seen getting into a silver PT Cruiser.

The suspect is described as an African American male, wearing a tan women's tracksuit with a hood.  The hood was pulled up.  The suspect had a white bandana on his head, clear lip gloss, cherry red nail polish, gold hoop earrings, dark brown Ugg style boots, glasses with black plastic frames and clear lenses, and was clean shaven.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau.

Commercial Burglary - Suspects Arrested

November 5 at 3:50 p.m., two adult suspects walked into a business in the 100 block of West Foothill.  The suspects were witnessed on camera stealing liquor and fleeing the business.  Police located the suspects at Foothill, near May.  Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Tip of the Week

DON'T FILL YOUR VEHICLE WITH PRESENTS FOR THIEVES!

It only takes a few seconds for thieves to break into your vehicle and steal your valuables.

It only takes a few seconds to remove your valuables and secure your vehicle.

Don't Be a Victim!

Auto-burglary prevention starts by limiting the criminal's opportunity to commit the crime and can be accomplished with very little time and effort.  Criminals are looking for something to steal - don't supply the valuables.  Leaving your valuables in your vehicle instantly makes your car a target for thieves.  

Take a few seconds to prevent auto-burglary!

The University of Oklahoma Police Department offers great auto-burglary prevention tips. Click on The Police Notebook to visit their website.

Highlighted Activity for November 29 - December 2, 2012

Man Attempts to Lure Teen into Car

On Thursday, November 29, 2012, at approximately 8:10 a.m., a 15-year-old high school student was walking to school in the 500-600 block of West Olive when she was approached by a male white suspect driving a white, four-door, pickup truck, unknown size.  The suspect asked the student to get into his vehicle, but the student refused, stating she did not know him.  He drove forward and turned onto the 600 block of Monterey, parking along the curb.  He waited for the student to approach.  As the student approached the vehicle again, the driver offered the student $200 to get into his vehicle.  The student refused, and the suspect left the area.  The student notified school officials as soon as she arrived at school. 

It is unknown if this is related to the incident which occurred on November 8, but detectives are investigating and are coordinating their investigation with school officials. 

Suspect Description:  male, white, 30-35 years old, unknown height, thin build, black shaggy hair - medium length, wearing black framed prescription glasses.  The victim could not describe the suspect's clothing.

Suspect Vehicle Description:  older model, white, four-door, pickup truck.

Residential Burglary

November 30 at 10:50 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of North Alta Vista to investigate a burglary that had occurred within the last two days.  The victims had been out of town and returned home to discover someone had broken into their home.  The suspect(s) smashed the glass backdoor and gained entry into the home.  Once inside, they took a purse and some jewelry from the home.  The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary

November 30 at 4:14 p.m., a burglary was reported in the 800 block of Ridgeside Drive.  The location is a vacant residence that is in the process of being remodeled and was left unlocked.  The suspects entered the residence and took tools from the attached garage.  The suspect(s) then left the location undetected.  Investigation continuing.

Elder Abuse / Grand Theft

November 30 at 5:24 p.m., an elderly male subject came into the police department lobby and reported that several guns he owns were stolen from his apartment while he was in the hospital.  Further investigation revealed he had begun to associate with two female neighbors, who steadily gained his trust and took over his finances.  While he was in the hospital, they went into his apartment and took his property, including bank statements and gold jewelry.  He told the investigating officer that he never gave anyone permission to go into his apartment and take his property.  A call was made to the female neighbors, who admitted they had his property, but claimed he told them to take it for safekeeping while he was in the hospital.  An Adult Protective Services referral was generated.  The investigation is continuing.

Parolee at Large - Suspect Arrested

November 30 at 8:11 p.m., an adult male subject was aggressively confronting two people who were waiting for the bus at Magnolia and Huntington.  An officer in the area had stopped, noticing the subject, and was waved over by one of the people waiting for the bus.  The officer contacted the male subject, who then immediately became confrontational with the officer.  Additional officers arrived and the subject was determined to be intoxicated and had been in possession of an open container of alcohol.  He was arrested and taken into custody.  At the police station, a computer check revealed the subject is a parolee at large and considered armed and dangerous.  He has an extensive history of violent crimes.  A parole hold was obtained for the suspect.

Transformer Fire and Power Outage

November 30 at 8:48 p.m., a transformer on California, south of Evergreen, blew after the pole it was on fell due to the soft soil from the rain.  The transformer then struck another power pole.  Officers responded with fire personnel and contained the area. Southern California Edison was called and responded.  Power was restored quickly and Edison was to repair the downed pole.

Possession of Fraudulent Social Security and California Identification / Drinking in Public - Suspect Arrested

November 30 at 12:55 p.m., an officer observed a subject with an open alcohol container on Myrtle Avenue.  He stopped and detained the subject.  The subject presented a fraudulent identification card.  He was subsequently arrested and booked.  The investigation is continuing.

Fight in Progress

December 1 at 1:55 a.m., officers were dispatched to a possible fight in progress at a hotel in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue.  Several subjects were detained, and one male subject was checked by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics after reporting he had been sprayed with pepper spray.  He declined medical treatment and officers could not confirm the fact the he was sprayed with pepper spray.  One female subject was arrested for a warrant.  All of the subjects were detained and field interview cards were completed.  All persons not staying at the hotel left the premises.

Grand Theft Auto

December 2 at 9:10 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of Los Angeles.  The vehicle is a red, 1996 Honda Civic, which was taken from the street in front of the victim's home.  The investigation is continuing.  

Domestic Violence / Driving Under the Influence / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer

December 2 at 10:43 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a maroon van driving east on Huntington at an unsafe speed.  The van turned into a parking lot in the 700 block of West Huntington and scraped the bottom of the front bumper.  The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the male driver and two female occupants.  One of the female subjects was found to be a juvenile.  The driver was determined to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  The female juvenile gave a false name and was arrested.  The adult female complained of medical problems and was taken to a hospital, and while at the hospital, she stated the male driver had physically abused her.  The male driver was arrested for driving under the influence and domestic violence