Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of March 25-27, 2013

Petty Theft from a Vehicle

March 27 at 3:48 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of South Mountain came to the police department to report her purse had been stolen from her vehicle.  She reported that she was walking to her parked vehicle when she saw two male Hispanics, wearing backpacks, walk away from her vehicle.  After she got into her vehicle, she realized that she left the passenger window down and her purse was gone.  Investigation continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

March 27 at 3:57 p.m., an officer was conducting an area check for the petty theft suspects from the above incident, when he observed a male subject walking in the 900 block of Valley View.  As the officer approached in his police vehicle, the subject walked up a driveway.  He then walked back down the driveway, where he was contacted by the officer.  The officer checked the area where the subject was standing on the property and found a methamphetamine smoking pipe.  The subject stated he threw it on the ground when he saw the police.  The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bear Incident

March 27 at 6:21 p.m., police responded to a residence in the 800 block of Crescent Drive on the report of a bear entering the home.  The resident’s mother had cooked lunch and left it on a table with the windows open.  A bear caught the scent of the food, ripped out the doggie door and entered the home through it to get at the food.  The resident’s dog alerted the man, who came downstairs to find the bear inside his home.  The resident immediately went upstairs and locked himself and his dog in his bedroom and called police.  The man looked out his window and saw a second bear in his yard.  Police officers arrived along with an animal control officer and the bears were encouraged back into the hillside with beanbags rounds.  The officers advised the resident on the safety issue of the doggie door and methods to reduce bear attractants at the home.      

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Attempt Grand Theft Auto / Identity Theft / Forgery - Suspects Charged

On February 26 at 2:35 p.m., police responded to a business in the 800 block of East Central regarding a fraud in process.  Two suspects walked into the car dealership to purchase a vehicle.  They each provided forged checks, and one provided an altered driver’s license.  The salesman was suspicious and called police. Both suspects were arrested and bonded out after being booked.

On March 26, 2013, both suspects were arraigned in court.  The detective assigned to the follow-up investigation presented the case to the District Attorney.  The case was filed and both suspects were charged with identity theft, forgery (three counts), and attempt grand theft auto.  The suspects were remanded into custody.

Tip of the Week

Payment Scam Targets Southern California Edison Customers  PRESS RELEASE HERE

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of March 21-24, 2013

Suspicious Vehicle / Warrants – Suspect Arrested

March 22 at 10:33 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Madeline regarding a suspicious occupied vehicle.  While officers were checking on the subjects inside the vehicle, a resident contacted one of the officers.  He advised the officer that a male subject with a backpack had left very quickly at the first sight of the patrol car.  Officers checked the area and found the subject walking south on Mountain, north of Foothill.  The subject was found to have three no-bail warrants, two for narcotics and one for burglary.  The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision / Unlicensed Driver

March 22 at 5:02 p.m., a three vehicle traffic collision occurred in the 3000 block of Peck Road.  Two vehicles struck each other in the intersection.  One of the vehicles continued on, striking an MTA bus.  One passenger on the bus complained of pain.  The drivers of the vehicles were not injured.  One of the drivers was found to be unlicensed and was cited for the offense.  The injured person on the bus declined medical treatment.

Petty Theft With Priors – Suspect Arrested

March 23 at 5:03 p.m., a suspect was observed leaving a business in the 500 block of West Huntington with bottles of cologne he did not pay for after he concealed them in a paper bag.  He was detained by store loss prevention.  Officers arrived, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.  He was determined to have a very long criminal history with numerous convictions and past prison time for theft.  

Residential Burglary

March 24 at 4:27 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of Ocean View regarding the report of a residential burglary.  The point of entry was an unlocked kitchen window, and the loss was several items of jewelry taken from the master bedroom.  The burglary occurred sometime between 4:00 p.m. on March 23 to 7:00 p.m. on March 24.  A neighbor noticed a suspicious subject leaving the victim’s driveway during the time of occurrence.  The subject is described as a male white adult, very tall, wearing a white, long-sleeve t-shirt and jeans.  The neighbor did not see the subject carrying anything.  Investigation continuing.

Attempt Robbery

March 25 at 1:55 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a robbery in the 200 block of Melrose.  The victim was in front of his residence, smoking a cigarette, when a vehicle pulled up and the occupants asked him for directions.  When the victim approached the vehicle, the occupants demanded money from him.  The victim replied that he didn’t have any money, and one of the suspects sprayed him in the face with pepper spray.  The suspect vehicle then fled south on Melrose.  The victim was treated at the scene and taken to a local hospital for an apparent allergic reaction to the pepper spray.  The empty canister of pepper spray was recovered at the scene.  The investigation is continuing.

                                          

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of March 18-20, 2013

Residential Burglary                                            

March 19 at 12:16 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 100 block of North Grand.  The victims left for the weekend on Saturday, March 16, at 5 p.m.   They returned home on March 19 around 12:00 a.m. to discover their residence had been burglarized.  The home was ransacked and several items were missing, including a computer and miscellaneous jewelry.  The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

On March 14, the Monrovia Police Department took a burglary report at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain involving a suspect seen switching price tags.  The suspect switched the price tag on a higher-priced welder, took it to the cashier, and paid a lower price for the item.  He was seen the day before attempting this same crime at the Glendora store, but an alert cashier recognized the discrepancy and stopped the transaction until she could verify the price.  The subject walked out of the store, indicating he would return, but did not.  A flyer with a photograph of the suspect was issued by the business.

On March 19 at 1:11 p.m., the suspect went to the Monrovia store again.  He was seen switching the price tag on a welder and placing a homemade barcode that indicated a lower price on the item.  Officers arrived as the suspect was paying for the merchandise at the lower price, and he was detained.  The officers recognized the suspect from the flyer.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Tip of the Week

The Month of April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In a growing effort to stem the dangerous tide of texting and cell phone use while driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has again designated April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  During the Month of April, the Monrovia Police Department and more than 300 local law enforcement agencies throughout California will crack down on drivers text messaging and talking on their hand-held cell phones behind the wheel.  Monrovia officers will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy. 

The first two years of this effort have had a tremendous affect in heightening public awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.  The intention of this continued enforcement effort is to turn that awareness into a behavior change to save lives.  If you become tempted to answer, send that text, or make that quick call while driving, Don’t – it’s NOT worth it! 

For more information on distracted driving awareness click on the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of March 14-17, 2013

Commercial Burglary 
March 14 at 12:01 p.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain. A male suspect switched labels on a higher priced metal welder with a less expensive welder and went through the self-checkout register, paying cash for the item. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary 
March 14 at 2:50 p.m., police responded to a residence in the 500 block of North Alta Vista regarding a residential burglary. The victim left the house at 11:30 a.m. and returned at 2:00 p.m. to find the upstairs area of the house had been ransacked. The front door was open and there was no sign of forced entry. A shotgun was taken, along with some expensive watches and purses. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit & Run Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 1:30 a.m., a driver spun out in his vehicle and struck several unoccupied parked cars at Foothill and Mountain. The driver exited his car and ran. An officer arrived and saw the suspect attempting to run from the scene. He directed additional resources to detain the fleeing suspect. A witness positively identified the suspect as the driver. The suspect was determined to be under the influence and was arrested and charged with DUI and fleeing the scene of a traffic accident.

Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 10:59 a.m., police were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding the report of a burglary. A male suspect entered the store and took four pairs of jeans into the changing room, exiting the changing room with nothing in his hands. Loss prevention checked the changing room and found a cut security tag and a pair of pliers left behind. The suspect exited the store and was apprehended by officers a block away. He was still in possession of the stolen merchandise and a cutting tool. He was arrested and charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools. He is currently on probation for theft and has numerous theft arrests and convictions.

Attempt Assault With a Deadly Weapon - Firearm
March 17 at 12:45 a.m., a teenager was riding his skateboard northbound on Fifth Avenue, near Colorado. He heard a vehicle come to an abrupt stop behind him. The passenger fired a long barreled weapon at him. The victim felt objects fly by him and saw what he described as a muzzle flash. There was a call received by dispatch reporting a single shot heard in the area before the victim called the Police Department. No evidence was found at the scene and the victim was not injured. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
March 17 at 2:02 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a residence in the 800 block of South Alta Vista Avenue. The victim had his 1976, Ford pickup truck locked behind a gated yard. Suspect(s) removed the lock, entered the yard and took the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Identity Theft / Warrants - Suspects Arrested
March 17 at 10:12 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 200 block of Los Angeles for having tinted windows and no front license plate. Upon investigation, the two occupants, a male and female adult, were found to have outstanding warrants. The female was in possession of over 50 gift cards and several credit cards, belonging to another person, later determined to be the victim.

The victim of the identity theft is a former Monrovia resident, currently attending college in another state, and she knows both suspects as former associates. The victim said she has never applied for credit cards and does not know how the suspects obtained credit cards in her name; she desires prosecution. Upon searching the suspect vehicle, the officer found a trunk full of newly purchased clothing. The clothing was held for observation. The suspects were both arrested and taken into custody

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of March 11-13, 2013

Vehicle Pursuit / Grand Theft Auto Recovery

March 12 at 2:06 a.m., officers attempted to stop a vehicle that was reported stolen to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on March 10, 2013, and a short vehicle pursuit ensued.  The suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled in the area of Canyon and Palm.  Containment was established and a yard-to-yard search was conducted, but the suspect was not located.  The investigation is continuing.  

Residential Burglary

March 12 at 8:07 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Garfield regarding a residential burglary.  The burglary occurred between 1:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. that day.  An unknown suspect pried the backdoor open, ransacked the house and stole a loaded pistol.  Investigation continuing.

Mental Evaluation

On March 13 at 10:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of West Foothill regarding a female juvenile trying to hurt herself.  The juvenile was detained and appeared to be intoxicated.  She was taken to a hospital, where she was placed on a 72 hour hold for mental evaluation.

Fight in Progress / Drunk in Public - Suspects Arrested

On March 14 at 2:31 a.m., a fight in progress was reported in the 500 block of West Foothill involving three male subjects; one subject possibly having a gun.  Officers arrived and detained all three subjects.  The subject with the gun stated that he heard fighting outside his residence.  He thought one of the subjects was being robbed, so he armed himself and went outside.  He held both subjects at gunpoint until the police arrived.  The investigation revealed that the two subjects were fighting with each other and were both intoxicated.  The handgun was taken for safekeeping, pending further investigation, and the two suspects were arrested for drunk in public.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Suspect in Residential Burglary Arrested and Sentenced to 2 Years

November 5 at 3:55 p.m., police responded to a residence in the 300 block of Greystone.  The resident came home and found a large quantity of items had been gathered by the suspects, but were left near the front door.  A laptop computer and video game were taken.  It appears the suspects were scared off and left the items behind. 

During the burglary, the suspect also left her cell phone behind.  Officers located the phone during the initial investigation and evidence collection.  The detective assigned to the follow-up investigation obtained a search warrant for the phone, located the owner and then issued a want for her arrest.  The suspect was arrested and charges were filed. 

On March 7, 2013, the suspect was sentenced to 2 years for residential burglary - a felony and a strike.

Tip of the Week

Don't Depend on the Luck of the Irish to Get You Home Safely - Stay Safe and "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."

Officers from the Monrovia Police Department's DUI Enforcement Team will be deploying this St. Patrick's celebration weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers in the Department's ongoing traffic safety campaign.  DUI saturation patrols will deploy on March 15, 2013, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.

If you are hosting a St. Patrick's Day party:

*        Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash.

*        Make sure all your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.

*        Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.

*        Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired.

If you are attending a St. Patrick's Day Party:

*        Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.

*        If you do not have a designated driver, call a cab, sober friend, or family member to pick you up.

*        Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive drunk.

*        Always buckle up.

Alcohol, not only dangerously impairs your driving skills, it impairs your judgment.  If you see a friend under the influence of alcohol - don't let them get behind the wheel.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of March 7-10, 2013

Commercial Burglary

On March 8 at 4:12 a.m., officers were dispatched to an alarm activation at a business in the 500 block of South Myrtle.  Upon arrival, officers found the front door had been pried open and the pry tool was left behind.  The owner of the business was notified.  The only loss was some display jewelry, which was of low value.  Surveillance cameras captured the suspects entering and opening the display cases.  The suspects were wearing hooded sweatshirts and face masks.  The suspects exited out the front door and fled northbound from the store and out of view.  The investigation is continuing.

False Police Report - Suspect Arrested

March 9 at 12:54 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a grand theft auto.  Officers responded and interviewed the person claiming to be the victim.  The officers were suspicious of the victim's story, but could not prove he was lying, so they took the report.  When the vehicle was entered into the computer system, a record showed the car had just been stored by the California Highway Patrol.  Further investigation revealed the car had been abandoned off the westbound transition curve from the 57 Freeway to the 210 Freeway in Glendora.  The vehicle was involved in a solo vehicle collision, totaling the car.

When confronted again with the facts the officer had gathered, the reporting party admitted he had lied.  He stated he had fallen asleep at the wheel and crashed the car, then took a taxi to his friend's home in Monrovia.  The suspect was arrested and charged with filing a false police report.  He was released on citation to appear in court.

Public Intoxication - Suspect Arrested

On March 9 at 5:31 p.m., an officer was driving in the 1500 block of South Myrtle when he observed a man staggering to his vehicle, which was parked at a gas station.  The subject got into the driver's seat.  The officer approached and observed that the subject had passed out with the keys in his hand in the driver's seat.  He did not start his car.  He was arrested for public intoxication.  He was found to be on probation for DUI; a copy of the police report will be forwarded to the court of jurisdiction and a reevaluation will also be requested.  

Attempt Commercial Burglary

On March 11 at 3:39 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of West Huntington regarding a burglary alarm.  When they arrived, they found the front door had been pried open.  A store employee responded and met with the officers at the scene.  The employee determined that nothing had been taken.  The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Methamphetamine - Suspect Arrested

On March 11 at 4:00 a.m., officers were checking the area of the 210 Freeway and Myrtle for the suspect involved in the attempt commercial burglary which occurred earlier.  During the search, a suspicious person was found walking east on the 210 Freeway, near Myrtle.  The person was detained and questioned, but could not be linked to the attempt burglary; however, he was found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine.  The suspect was arrested for the drug violation. 

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of March 4-6, 2013

Criminal Threats / Battery / False Imprisonment / Robbery - Suspect Arrested

March 6 at 7:40 p.m., police received a call reporting a domestic violence incident in progress at a residence in the 200 block of Mauna Loa.  A 17-year-old girl was in a dating relationship with a 20-year-old male, and when she attempted to end the relationship, he threatened to kill her mother.  A school teacher learned the suspect was at the location and went there to assist the victim.  The suspect choked the teacher.  When the girl tried to walk away, the suspect unlawfully restrained her.  The girl's mother was able to get her away from the suspect, and the suspect responded by grabbing the mother's purse from her shoulder, breaking the straps and running away with the purse.  He was detained by officers and the purse was recovered.  The suspect was arrested and taken to jail without further incident.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Grand Theft

February 14, 2013, a grand theft occurred at a residence in the 400 block of East Olive. A woman's wallet with her ID, social security card and other cards was taken, along with some small electronics.  On March 4, a male subject was arrested and was found to be in possession of several items which were taken in the grand theft.  The West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force wrote a search warrant for the subject arrested and served the warrant on March 5.  The results were positive and many of the objectives of the search were met.  The investigation is continuing. 

Tip of the Week

Living With Wildlife in Monrovia

The foothills above Monrovia are occupied by wildlife:  bears, coyotes, deer, mountain lions, and bobcats.  Sometimes these wild animals venture out of the foothills and into residential neighborhoods.  Most of the time, the wildlife comes and goes without notice.  Occasionally, wildlife ventures down into the city and becomes a potential danger to humans.  Police will respond when called to a wildlife sighting, and in most incidents, the primary goal is to allow the animal to leave the area and return back to the foothills.  In most incidents, the officer's presence, use of vehicles, horns, beanbag rounds, is sufficient to encourage the animal to leave the area.  To discourage wildlife from coming down into Monrovia neighborhoods, residents need to keep food, trash and water sources out of reach of wildlife.   
The Department of Fish and Game offers tips on dealing with wildlife.  They also offer good information on how to respond when faced with an actual encounter with wildlife.  Click on the links to the brochures provided by the Department of Fish and Game that deal specifically with mountain lions, black bears, and other wildlife.  More and more, people and wildlife are occupying the same geographical areas; learn how to live responsibly with the wildlife around your neighborhood.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of February 28 - March 3, 2013

Theft From a Vehicle

March 2 at 1:59 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of West Colorado.  The victim stated that she left her small, black Coach purse containing some cash in the glove box of her unlocked vehicle.  She believes the theft occurred sometime between 2:00 and 7:30 a.m.  The investigation is continuing.

Medical Assist

March 2 at 3:49 p.m., police responded to a medical assist call at a skatepark in the 800 block of East Olive.  A male juvenile fell and was conscious, but he could not move. Witnesses stated the subject was not wearing a helmet when he fell and he did not have one in his possession.  His aunt was caring for him while his parents were out of town.  Monrovia Fire Department personnel recognized the boy as a subject who had collapsed at school two days prior.  The subject said he hit his head, but there was no visible injury.  He was taken to a hospital for assessment and treatment.  

Receiving Stolen Property - Suspect Arrested

March 2 at 5:03 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and California observed a male adult subject riding his bike on a downtown city sidewalk.  When the officer approached the subject to cite him for the violation, the subject appeared to be placing something in the bushes. The officer questioned the subject and he stated he was in possession of a wallet that he believed was probably stolen.  The wallet was recovered and the possible victim information was obtained.  The suspect was arrested for receiving stolen property and released on citation to appear in court.

Battery

March 3 at 7:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 700 block of East Lemon regarding a battery in progress.  According to witnesses, several male African American suspects were beating up a male Hispanic victim.  The victim suffered facial injuries and was taken to a hospital.  The victim was intoxicated and uncooperative at the time of the incident.  The victim's wallet was found in the general area, but it is unknown if he dropped it or if it was taken from him during the fight.  Three male subjects were located in the immediate area and detained.  The three subjects denied knowledge of the incident and did not have any visible injuries or torn clothing to suggest they had involvement.  The three subjects were identified and released.  The investigation is continuing.

Spousal Battery - Suspect Arrested

March 4 at 1:11 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of West Foothill regarding a domestic violence call.  The female victim said her common-law husband was intoxicated and entered the bedroom where she was laying down.  When she told him to get out, he became angry and began punching her in the leg several times.  The victim did not have visible injuries, but complained of pain to her right leg.  The suspect sustained superficial lacerations along the right side of his face, but he claimed to have sustained the injuries by falling down.  The suspect was arrested for spousal battery and taken into custody.