Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of April 25-28, 2013

Suspicious Person

April 25 at 5:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle on the report of a male subject in black clothes, a ski mask, a hat and knee pads; the subject was running in front of the library with what appeared to be some type of firearm.  Upon arrival, police found a male subject, wearing paintball attire and carrying an Airsoft gun.  He told police he was training for an upcoming paintball event.  The subject was informed of the fear he had caused to citizens in the park and was advised to choose a more appropriate place to train for his event.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence

April 25 at 6:23 p.m., police responded to a traffic collision in the area of Mayflower and Colorado.  An adult female subject was driving west on Colorado and struck a vehicle as she turned north onto Mayflower.  The driver failed to stop and continued north on Mayflower.  She then attempted to turn west onto Linwood and drove through a chain-link fence, coming to rest in the front yard of a Monrovia residence.  Officers arrived and determined the driver had been driving while under the influence of alcohol. 

The driver was uncooperative and refused to submit to any sobriety or chemical tests.  She was transported to a hospital as a precaution, where she continued to be uncooperative with hospital staff, so the extent of her injuries could not be determined; no visible injuries could be seen.  The report will be completed and a verified complaint will be filed. 

Residential Burglary

April 25 at 11:14 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of East Greystone.  The victim left her residence at 6:00 p.m. and returned at 11:10 p.m.  She entered her residence and noticed the three bedrooms had been ransacked.  The suspect(s) made entry through an unlocked living room window.  The loss appears to be cash and jewelry.  The investigation is continuing.

Alarm Activation / Burglary

April 27 at 6:35 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at an elementary school in the 200 block of Jasmine Avenue.  The officers found an open window and could see inside the room; it did not appear to be ransacked.  The interior of the school was checked, but no suspect(s) were located.  A night janitor arrived on scene and said it did not appear that anything had been taken, but a request will be made to school officials to verify any possible loss.  Investigation continuing.      

                                        

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 27 at 10:25 p.m., an officer was traveling south on Myrtle and observed an adult female pedestrian crossing Myrtle, at Olive, against the red light.  The officer honked his horn to get the subject out of the intersection.  She looked toward the officer and made an obscene hand gesture.  She appeared surprised when the emergency lights were activated, and she later stated she was unaware that the vehicle was a police vehicle.  She was stopped once she crossed the street.  A computer check revealed she had an outstanding, felony no-bail warrant; she was arrested for the warrant.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 1:41 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Central noticed a vehicle facing north on Myrtle, preparing to turn west onto Central.  There was loud music emitting from the vehicle.  The light turned green, and as the driver was making the turn, he struck the concrete center median.  The driver was stopped.  As the officer approached, he detected an odor of alcohol.  The driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested for DUI.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 7:12 a.m., an officer saw a transient male subject who he recognized as the suspect in a child annoying case he had investigated several months prior.  The suspect had been annoying a teenage resident of Monrovia.  He also knew the subject is a sex registrant from Florida.  A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest regarding that same case.  The officer arrested the subject and he was taken into custody.

Marijuana / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 4:46 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a subject in the 300 block of Genoa smoking marijuana on the street.  Officers arrived, located the suspect, and as they began to investigate further, the male subject ran from them.  A short foot pursuit ensued, but the suspect was quickly apprehended and arrested for obstructing and delaying officers, as well as for the original violation of possessing marijuana. 

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of April 22-24, 2013

Residential Burglary

April 22 at 10:21 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of Poinsettia.  The victim left for work at about 8:00 a.m.  When she returned home at 10:00 p.m., she found a rear window open.  She went to the police station and reported it.  Officers were dispatched to the location and cleared the home.  No suspects were located.  Unknown suspect(s) entered the home and took jewelry and other miscellaneous property.  Investigation continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 23 at 1:07 p.m., an officer on patrol stopped a subject on a bicycle in the 400 block of West Duarte Road for a vehicle code violation.  A computer check on the subject revealed the he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.  The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary

April 23 at 2:05 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington.  The vehicle was broken into between 8:00 p.m. the previous night and 8:00 a.m. that morning.  The third row seat was stolen from the vehicle.  There was no sign of forced entry on the locked vehicle.  The investigation is continuing.

Burglary

April 24 at 4:53 p.m., police were dispatched to the 700 block of Anita regarding a burglary that had just occurred.  The victim walked outside and saw a 30-year-old, male Hispanic subject inside his vehicle.  The vehicle was parked inside his attached garage and was unlocked.  The victim yelled at the suspect, who ran from the house.  The home owner chased the suspect as the police were called, but he lost sight of him.  Police apprehended the suspect at Mayflower and Diamond.  The suspect was positively identified by the victim and was arrested for burglary.  The suspect had an outstanding no-bail warrant for drugs and burglary.

Tip of the Week

Stay Alive! Don’t Text and Drive – The Month of April is 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. 

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Note the first entry is our street.  Does anyone have any information on what happened?  If so give it to the PD. Do we need a Neighborhood Watch meeting? If so sound of in the comments and I will organize it with MPD.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of April 18-21, 2013

Possession of a Counterfeited Seal / Burglary – Suspect Arrested

On April 18 at 10:53 a.m., officers responded to a bank in the 200 block of South Myrtle regarding a fraud report.  A male Asian suspect had obtained a fraudulent Chinese passport in another person’s name.  He then accessed that person's checking account, deposited a fraudulent check into the account and withdrew $500 cash from the ATM.  After withdrawing the money, he entered the bank and attempted to withdraw more cash from this account that did not belong to him. 

The bank recognized the man as a wanted suspect from other incidents that have occurred all over Southern California, the last one in Sierra Madre.  They immediately called police, who responded and apprehended the suspect.  The account holder did not know the suspect.  Both the bank and the account holder desired prosecution.  The Chinese Consulate was notified, as well.  The suspect was arrested for possession of a counterfeited seal and burglary.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Burglary Tools / Warrants – Suspects Arrested

April 18 at 2:11 p.m., officers were in the area of Monrovia Canyon when they observed two suspicious male subjects driving a white Lexus.  They followed the vehicle and it was stopped in the 800 block of West Foothill.  Through investigation, the driver was determined to be in possession of two methamphetamine pipes and burglary tools.  The passenger had two outstanding warrants for his arrest; both warrants are for possession of stolen property.  The bail amount on one of the warrants was $100,000 and the other was a no-bail warrant.  Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Cell Phone Violation / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

On April 18 at 7:30 p.m., an officer stopped a distracted driver who was taking on her cell phone while driving in the 100 block of Stedman Place.  His investigation revealed the driver was lost and looking for a friend’s house.  The driver was also determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Grand Theft Auto

On April 19 at 6:43 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Royal Oaks went outside his house and discovered his vehicle had been stolen.  The vehicle is a white, 1999, Ford E-150 Van.  He last saw his vehicle at 8:30 p.m. the night before.  The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian

On April 19 at 12:53 p.m., a female subject ran out into traffic in the 400 block of South Fifth Avenue, chasing after her dog that was off leash.  The dog was struck by a vehicle traveling 25-30 miles per hour and the female was sideswiped, causing visible injuries to her right leg.  The female subject was taken to a hospital and her dog to an animal hospital.  The female sustained abrasions only, but unfortunately, her dog did not survive its injuries.

Mental Evaluation

On April 19 at 8:15 p.m., a subject was taken to a hospital for medical issues and a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation.  The subject managed to escape from the hospital and a local search conducted by Arcadia Police Department met with no results.  After being notified by the hospital that the person had escaped, investigation revealed the suspect had an ex-girlfriend that lived at a residence in the 300 block of West Palm in Monrovia.  Officers went to the location and located the subject there.  He had kicked the door to the residence open to enter it.  He was taken back into custody and taken back to a hospital for treatment.

Bear Incident

On April 21 at 7:04 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of North Mayflower regarding a bear problem.  The homeowner went outside and left the rear sliding door open.  Two bears went into the house through the open screen door and wandered around the interior of the home.  When the homeowner went back into the house, she encountered an adult female bear and her cub.  The bears exited the residence, breaking out through a glass front window.  They headed north, back up into the hills.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of April 15-17, 2013

Residential Burglary

April 15 at 2:46 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 800 block of South Mayflower.  The resident left her residence at 7:30 a.m. and returned home at 2:46 p.m. to discover the front door wide open.  A rear window was smashed and property was taken.  The investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested

April 17 at 5:11 p.m., a known subject with a restraining order that prevents him from loitering at Library Park was observed in the park by an officer on patrol.  He was detained; the restraining order was confirmed, and he was arrested for the violation.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

April 17 at 11:23 p.m., an officer contacted a suspicious subject in the area of Montana and Primrose.  The subject consented to a search of his person, and during the search, the officer located a syringe in his possession.  He was arrested and cited out in the field for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tip of the Week

Homeland Security “If you see something, Say Something” Campaign

In light of the tragic event that occurred in Boston this week, the Monrovia Police Department would like to make our community aware of how they can report suspicious activity.  Following is information on “If you see something, say something,” a homeland security awareness campaign on how to recognize, and the importance of reporting, suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

The nationwide "If You See Something, Say Something™" public awareness campaign - is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper local law enforcement authorities.  For information on the program, click on Homeland Security.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of April 11-14, 2013

Grand Theft - Utility Trailer

On April 11 at 7:23 a.m., dispatch received a call of a stolen utility trailer in the 1800 block of Santa Fe Place.  The utility trailer is 16 feet long, black in color with a tarp on it and the words "Bay City Electric.”  The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Burglary Commercial – Suspect Arrested

On April 11 at 10:31 a.m., dispatch received a call regarding a burglary that occurred in the 700 block of East Huntington.  A male suspect walked in and immediately filled a shopping cart with more than $250 worth of products.  The suspect walked past open registers and was heading toward the door when several store employees, not aware of his activity, walked to the exit area. He abandoned his cart due to the appearance of the employees just prior to exiting the door. The subject only had $5.00 on him and no other means to pay for the merchandise.  The subject was detained by an officer outside the store and arrested for attempt burglary.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested

On April 11 at 11:18 p.m., an officer was driving in the 300 block of West Foothill when he observed three subjects walking in the area of several closed businesses.  All subjects were contacted and a female suspect was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of drug paraphernalia.  The female suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of Smoking Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

On April 12 at 1:55 a.m., an officer observed a male suspect wearing gloves and a hooded sweat shirt with what appeared to be an eye hole cut out of the hood, in the 300 block of Sombrero.  The suspect was contacted and found to be in possession of a pipe for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested.  There was no evidence that the suspect had committed any other crime.  

Warrant - Suspect Arrested

On April 12 at 12:33 a.m., dispatch received a call from a resident in the 200 block of Madeline, who observed a male suspect with one bicycle and leave a short time later with two bicycles. Thinking he had possibly stolen the second bicycle, the police were called. The officers observed the suspect walking in the 400 block of South Mountain and then go quickly behind a vacant house. The suspect was located and the bikes were determined to not be stolen.  The suspect had an outstanding warrant and was arrested.

Gang Injunction – Suspect Arrested

April 12 at 6:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Montana regarding suspicious subjects looking through vehicles.  Upon contacting the subjects, the officer found one suspect to be in possession of marijuana in violation of Monrovia’s gang injunction.  The suspect was arrested for violation of court order and possession of marijuana.

Possession of Marijuana / Transporting Marijuana / Possession of Concentrated Cannabis - Suspect Arrested

On April 12 at 8:35 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of West Central.  Upon contacting the driver, the vehicle smelled of marijuana.  Further investigation found a large quantity of marijuana in the vehicle. The suspect said he was delivering marijuana to co-op clients.  The suspect was arrested for possession, sales and transportation of marijuana.  The marijuana and money were seized.  Investigation continuing.

Gang Injunction – Suspect Arrested

On April 14 at 1:45 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle leaving the area in the 300 block of South Myrtle.  The driver failed to stop for a stop sign was driving without headlights and speeding. The driver is a gang member who has been served with the gang injunction. The driver was arrested for the traffic violations, possession of marijuana and violation of Monrovia’s gang injunction. 

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of April 8-10, 2013

Grand Theft From a Vehicle

April 10, overnight, three victims had their catalytic converters stolen off their vehicles.  The incidents occurred in the 600 block of West Olive, 500 block of West Maple and the 400 block of West Lime.  The investigation is continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-Up

March 26, an officer responded to and conducted a burglary investigation at a business in the 100 block of West Walnut, Antiques of Fairoaks.  Sellers rent cases from the business owner to display and sell their products.  Suspect(s) broke into the location overnight and stole merchandise from the cases.  Four victims were identified.

One of the victims found and identified some of her property being sold on eBay and contacted police.  She recognized not only the items, but also the description of the items she had written on the tags.  Through investigation, detectives found information on the seller, and the investigation led to an address in Tujunga. 

A search warrant for the location in Tujunga was written and served on April 10 at 5:30 a.m.  The property/residence in Tujunga was extremely large, so Monrovia detectives requested assistance from the West San Gabriel Valley Burglary Task Force, Pasadena Police Department and Glendale Police Department SWAT Teams.  The search warrant was executed without incident.  The objective of the search warrant was met and the victim’s property was recovered from the residence.

This case is a great example of multi-agency cooperation and teamwork.

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 225 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 Monrovia Police Department Press Release or California Office of Traffic Safety.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of April 4-7, 2013

raffic Collision

April 4 at 2:17 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of East Huntington.  A vehicle was exiting a business parking lot and the driver failed to yield to a vehicle traveling west on Huntington, striking the rear of that vehicle.  That vehicle was then pushed into the raised center divider and it struck a concrete light pole, knocking the pole over.  No one was injured and the driver who failed to yield was issued a citation for the traffic violation. 

Stop Graffiti Bounty Program

One of the methods the Monrovia Police Department is using to combat graffiti in the community of Monrovia is the Stop Graffiti Bounty Program.  If a citizen reports an incident of graffiti in the City of Monrovia that leads to the arrest of the suspect, the citizen will receive a $100 bill.  Help keep Monrovia looking great!

Highlighted Activity for the Weekdays of March April 1-3, 2013

Commercial Burglary

On April 1 at 1:00 p.m., dispatch received a call regarding a theft that occurred in the 500 block of West Huntington. A male suspect entered the business and selected merchandise and walked into the dressing room. The suspect then cut security sensors off the merchandise and concealed them on his person.  The suspect was seen exiting the business and getting into the driver’s side of a vehicle.  Further investigation led to a residence in Covina, where the vehicle was located and the stolen property was recovered.  Suspect is still outstanding.  Investigation continuing.

Vandalism –Suspect Arrested

On April 1 at 10:22 p.m., officers responded to the rear parking lot in the 100 block of South Myrtle regarding a male subject vandalizing a dumpster.  Officers arrived and detained a subject that fit the description. The officer contacted the witness and conducted a field show up.  The witness positively identified the subject and the subject was arrested for misdemeanor vandalism.

Mental Evaluation

On April 2 at 6:33 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of South Peck Road regarding a male subject trying to hurt himself.  The male subject was detained and taken to a hospital, where he was placed on a 72 hour hold for mental evaluation.

Trespass / Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested

On April 2 at 10:00 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of West Huntington regarding subjects loitering near the front door of the business, possibly panhandling.  They contacted a known subject that has a "No Trespass" authorization against him.  A pat down search revealed he had a stolen GPS from a vehicle. The suspect was arrested for receiving stolen property and trespassing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Murder - Suspect Sentenced

On August 29, 2004, a murder occurred in the South alley of the 200 block of West Olive at approximately 12:56 p.m.  Two male gang members got into a verbal altercation with one gang member shooting the other and killing him.

This case went unsolved for many years and was assigned as a cold case to Detective Levin of the Monrovia Police Department.  Detective Levin has been working with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau on this case.  Through hard work and investigation by Detective Levin and Sheriff's Department investigators a suspect was identified in this case.

Investigators identified witnesses to this crime and worked to build enough information and evidence to file the case with the District Attorney's Office.  The District Attorney's Office filed charges against the Monrovia Nuevo Varrio gang member who committed this crime.

After years of investigative work and good work by the District Attorney prosecuting this case, on April 2, 2013, the suspect was found guilty of first-degree murder along with the firearms enhancement.  The suspect is facing a minimum of 50 years to life in state prison.

This case is an example of a terrific collaborative effort between Monrovia Police investigators, Sheriff's investigators, and the District Attorney's Office.  Their work has resulted in the conviction of another violent gang member who victimized our community.

Tip of the Week

Tips for Spotting & Reporting Suspected Drunk Drivers

The following clues can help motorists detect a drunk driver:

·         Weaving/swerving in and out of the lane

·         Weaving within the lane quite noticeably

·         Traveling at speeds much slower than the flow of traffic

·         Braking erratically or stopping in the lane

·         Sudden stops for signal lights and slow start once they change

·         Remaining at the signal lights once they turn green – asleep at the wheel

·         Making wide turns and/or cutting the corner striking the curb

·         Headlights off at night or on high beams

·         Driving with the turn signals on

·         Straddling the center line of the road or lane lines

·         The Driver looks intoxicated – starring straight ahead, face close to the windshield, and/or appears to by quite sleepy…

·         Finally Aggressive driving – speed, tailgating and multiple lane changes or unsafe passing may be the tell-tale signs of intoxication

How to Report a Drunk Driver

1.  Call 911 and tell them you wish to report a suspected drunk driver.  **You do not have to give your name.

2.  Give a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color and license plate number.

3.  Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road, cross streets and the direction they’re traveling.

4.  Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.

5.  Do not try to stop the car or detain the driver.  Leave that to a law enforcement officer.

Note:  During heavy traffic period there could be delays in reaching the 9-1-1 operator on your cell Phone.  Be prepared, consider calling your local police or stay on the line with your information.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of March 28-31, 2013

Critical Missing Person – Subject Located

March 29 at 12:31 p.m., a ten-year-old female was reported missing from the Immaculate Conception Church when staff noticed the girl was not with the other children participating in an Easter Ceremony.  After an extensive search by police, the girl was located at home with her family in Duarte.  She had left the assembly area and told her parents she was not needed.  The parents did not confirm this and did not tell anyone they were leaving the event with the child.  The mother then took the child to a dentist appointment and did not return home until after the appointment; they were then located by police.     

Sex Offense

March 29 at 3:09 p.m., a female subject called police to report a sex offense she had observed.  She reported she was walking on Mountain when she went to say hello to a male subject she knew.  The male subject was in his car.  When she approached the vehicle, she saw he was masturbating.  She walked away from the car and called the police. The female subject was uncooperative with dispatch when asked about her knowledge of the subject.  Officers conducted a search of the area, but the subject was not located.  The suspect is described as a thin, male African American and the vehicle as a black sedan.    

Injury Traffic Collision

March 19 at 4:32 p.m., several vehicles collided at Foothill and Myrtle after a vehicle sped up to get through the red light.  The vehicle struck another vehicle that failed to clear the intersection prior to turning left.  Minor injuries were reported.  

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested

March 29 at 10:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of East Almond regarding a male and female subject fighting.  Upon arrival, officers learned the male subject had forced the female onto the front seat of a vehicle and had taken her cell phone.  The male subject was determined to be the aggressor and was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery. 

Weapons Offence / Warrants – Suspect Arrested

March 29 at 11:50 p.m., an officer contacted a male and female occupant of a vehicle parked in a remote area behind a restaurant in the 800 block of West Huntington.  The officer observed a wooden billy club in plain view on the backseat.  The male occupant said he manufactured the weapon from an old piece of furniture.  He commented that he grew up in a tough neighborhood and possessed it for his protection.  The male subject was also found to have three outstanding warrants.  He was arrested and taken into custody for the weapons offence and warrants.

Family Disturbance / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested

March 29 at 12:10 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of West Hillcrest regarding a family disturbance.  The officers determined the male subject had been drinking alcohol and had argued with family members.  He became angry and injured himself by punching out a glass window, causing lacerations to his hands.  Paramedics were requested and when they arrived, the subject yelled at them and threatened one of them by saying he could kill them.  He stood up and charged toward them.  Officers attempted to stop the subject and he fought with the officers.  The subject was arrested for delaying an investigation and resisting arrest. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

March 29 at 1:45 a.m., officers observed a vehicle straddling lanes on the onramp to the westbound 210 Freeway from Myrtle.  The vehicle was stopped and the driver was contacted.  She thought she was on the 710 Freeway.  Through investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.