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.