[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 23-28. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last six-day period, the Police Department handled 541 service events, resulting in 77 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
National Night Out Against Crime
On Tuesday, August 2, 2011, neighborhoods throughout Monrovia have been invited to join forces with over 34 million people from thousands of communities nationwide who will be participating in the Annual National Night Out Against Crime. This event is designed to: 1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; 2) Generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts; 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community relations; and 4) Send a message to criminals, letting them know that our neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back. This event will also kick off the start of our new "Keep Kids Alive Drive 25" residential speeding traffic safety campaign.
Structure Failure
On June 23 at 4:45 p.m., police were called to the Vons Pavilion's store in the 100 block of West Foothill regarding a structure failure. A loud bang was heard and the roof began to collapse. The Police and Fire Departments responded and helped to evacuate the building. There were no injuries. The air conditioning unit had a water leak and had weakened the supports. The building recently had solar panels installed on the roof, adding weight.
Attempt Robbery - Suspect Arrested
On June 24 at 8:00 p.m., police received a call from a female victim who reported that a male subject had tried to take her purse by force in the 700 block of East Huntington. The suspect failed and fled the area out of sight. The suspect was seen on video surveillance approaching the victim and trying to take her purse. The video provided a good image of the suspect, which was given to officers. During the investigation, an officer located a subject matching the description, and the victim and a witness positively identified the suspect. He was arrested, and during a subsequent interview, admitted to the offense.
Chemical Extraction / Chemical Synthesis of a Controlled Substance
On June 24 at 8:45 p.m., the Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 700 block of West Foothill regarding a burn victim. When they arrived, they were told a male and female were burned while cooking in the kitchen, but there was no evidence to support their statements, the firemen requested police. The burn victims had already been transported to a hospital when officers arrived.
During the investigation, officers discovered what initially appeared to be a pipe bomb. Further examination and questioning of the male victim revealed the item was not a pipe bomb, but a homemade plastic device used to extract a chemical from marijuana. The male subject had researched the process online. During the process, the gases from the chemicals located an ignition source from a wall heater and ignited. The female subject suffered burns to her lower legs. The male subject sustained 2nd degree burns to 25 percent of his body, which included his arms, face and back. The investigation is continuing. Charges will be filed with the District Attorney's office.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery - Suspect Arrested
On June 25 at 3:12 a.m., an officer was traveling west in the 100 block of West Huntington. A computer check of the license plate indicated the vehicle was stolen. The officer made a u-turn and the driver turned around and headed west. The officer waited for additional units to arrive and then conducted a traffic stop. During the investigation, it was discovered the vehicle was reported stolen out of San Gabriel from a rental car company. The driver was taken into custody without incident and the investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
On June 25 at 11:38 p.m., an officer was approached by a citizen who reported a vehicle screeching its tires in the Albertson's parking lot in the 700 block of East Huntington. The vehicle was currently in the drive through line at a fast food restaurant. The officer followed the vehicle as it left the area, heading east on Huntington and then south on Mountain. The driver was traveling at 50 miles per hour on Mountain before the driver was stopped. During the investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
On June 26 at 2:03 a.m., an officer was in the area of Foothill and Mayflower when she noticed a vehicle traveling north on Mayflower failed to stop for a red signal as the driver turned east on Foothill. The driver was stopped in the 400 block of West Foothill. During the investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision / City Property Damage
On June 26 at 4:46 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Terrace Drive regarding a water problem. When officers arrived, they discovered a vehicle had struck a fire hydrant. Officers followed wet tire marks left by the vehicle up a driveway and spoke with the resident, who admitted striking the hydrant while backing out of his driveway.
Residential Burglary - Suspect Arrested
On June 26 at 7:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Canyon regarding a burglary. This location was being fumigated and was tented. An employee of the fumigation company arrived to inspect the location and noticed a large tear in the back of the tent. He looked through the tear and saw two assault rifles and a baseball cap on the ground, between the tent and the exterior of the residence. Investigation revealed the home was burglarized and the two assault rifles belonged to the resident. The resident reported that he owned a .22 caliber pistol that was also inside the house. Because of the chemicals used for the fumigation, the homeowner could not enter to conduct an inventory of his property and officers could not enter to clear the house. The assault rifles were recovered and placed into evidence for safe keeping.
Several hours later, a Glendale police officer stopped a bicyclist in their city. The bicyclist was found to be in possession of the homeowner's .22 caliber pistol. The bicyclist is a former Monrovia resident that is currently transient. Glendale Police Department recovered the pistol and arrested the bicyclist.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling
On June 26 at 9:31 p.m., police dispatch received several 9-1-1 calls regarding shots fired in the 900 block of West Colorado. One victim was reported to have been shot. A blue BMW occupied by four male subjects was seen parked near the apartment complex. The male victim was on the second story balcony of an apartment, and several shots were fired in his direction. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his right leg and knee. The shots were fired from inside the apartment complex front gate. The shooter was not seen. The BMW then fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment; his injuries are not life threatening. The blue BMW is a vehicle of interest at this point. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery - Suspect Arrested
On June 26 at 10:54 p.m., officers were sent to a residence in the 100 block of West Cherry regarding a family disturbance. The investigation revealed that an argument had occurred between a husband and wife, resulting in the husband pushing the wife to the ground. The wife sustained visible red marks on her back. The husband was arrested for spousal battery and taken into custody. The wife was issued an emergency protective order, which was served to the husband before he was released on citation.
Domestic Battery - Suspects Arrested
On June 27 at 1:30 a.m., officers were sent to a residence in the 500 block of South Magnolia regarding a family disturbance. The investigation revealed a pushing match between a boyfriend and girlfriend, resulting in minor visible injuries to both parties. The boyfriend was arrested for spousal battery and taken into custody. Due to medical issues, a verified complaint request was completed on the female subject for spousal battery and will be submitted to the District Attorney's office for review. During the course of this investigation, a male associate of the couple was present. A computer check revealed he had a want issued by the Monrovia Police Department for spousal abuse; he was also arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft - Suspect Arrested
On June 28 at 8:28 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the Home Depot in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a subject detained for shoplifting. The value of the items the subject had concealed in his pockets totaled $975.00. The loss prevention officer completed a private person's arrest, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Delaying and Obstructing a Peace Officer / Mental Evaluation
On June 28 at 8:30 a.m., officers responded to the report of a male subject throwing items and yelling at cars. He was last seen north on Myrtle heading toward Huntington. When the officer arrived, the subject ran north on Myrtle to Walnut and a foot pursuit began. A detective tried to intercept the subject, but the subject swung at him several times. The subject ran east on Walnut, stopped, and tried to run again, but was taken into custody. The subject was not under the influence, but was determined to require mental evaluation. The subject was cited and taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.
Residential Burglary
On June 28 at 1:39 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of Bradbury regarding a possible break-in. The reporting party stated she and her mother left the residence at 10:30 a.m. and locked the front door, which is not visible from the street. When they returned, they found the front door had been forced open and they called police. Officers cleared the home and found the master bedroom ransacked. Some jewelry had been taken.
Residential Burglary
On June 28 at 7:10 p.m., residents in the 600 block of Parkrose left their home on June 24 and were gone for several days. When they returned on June 28, they found their home had been burglarized. Unknown suspect(s) pried open the backdoor and ransacked the interior of the location. Two handguns and items of jewelry were stolen. Investigation continuing.
