News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Monrovia Police: Vandal Caught on Video; Baby Cries, Car Crashes; Mental Evaluation; Drugs; Alcohol; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 5-8. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Suspicious Subject / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
February 5 at 9:46 a.m., residents in the 400 block of South Violet reported a suspicious male subject in the area, looking into vehicles. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, and after investigation, found he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants.

Vehicle Burglary
February 5 at 10:00 a.m., a resident parked and locked his vehicle in front of his house in the 400 block of West Walnut, then went into his home. At 1:00 p.m., he went back out to his vehicle and saw that someone had shattered the rear window and stole his iPad from inside the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
February 5 at 3:49 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Sky Way called police to report a burglary in progress at his neighbor’s house. He heard his neighbor’s house alarm activate and saw two males run out the front door and get into a small black Honda style vehicle, waiting on the street. The vehicle fled the area, driven by a female subject. Officers arrived quickly, along with the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, to search the area for the suspects, but no arrests were made. The suspects had shattered a rear door window to gain entry into the home, but it appears that nothing was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
February 5 at 4:12 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of Meadow Lane. The resident had left for work at 6:15 a.m. When he returned, he found that someone had broken into his home. Unknown suspects shattered a rear door window to gain entry and then ransacked the home, taking jewelry. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 5 at 7:21 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a female subject near the intersection of Huntington and Primrose that was smoking drugs. The officer arrived and located the subject. The investigation revealed the female was under the influence of a controlled substance and she was arrested.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 2:24 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Hillcrest and May when he observed a suspicious male kneeling down next to a parked vehicle. A female subject was behind the wheel of the vehicle and was speaking to the male subject. The officer contacted the subject and the investigation revealed the male subject was in possession of Heroine, Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Stalking / Felony Vandalism / Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 6:00 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 1300 block of South Mayflower. The suspect has a domestic violence restraining order prohibiting him from coming onto the victim's property. After several suspicious vandalisms occurred, the victim installed a camera. The suspect could be seen on surveillance video breaking the victim’s window with a hammer. Officers went to the suspect's home in Glendora and were able to recover the clothes and sandals the suspect was wearing in the video and the claw hammer he used to break the window. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
February 7 at 9:26 a.m., a male subject was driving in the 600 block of Montana and turned to look into the backseat to see why his one-year-old son was crying, causing his vehicle to swerve to the right. His vehicle collided into a parked vehicle, then spun out of control and overturned. The driver sustained head injuries, but was able to exit his vehicle and get his son out, prior to police arrival. The child did not have any visible injuries, but both father and son were taken to a hospital to be checked out.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 3:10 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the front of a bar in the 400 block of south Myrtle, where a female was lying on the sidewalk. The officer arrived and located the female, who did not have any friends or family around, and was too intoxicated to care for her own safety. She was arrested for being drunk in public and held for sobering.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 4:55 p.m., a vehicle was reported to have collided into the guard rail on the 210 Freeway and then exited at Myrtle and was heading north. An officer located the vehicle and stopped it at Lime and Ivy, next to the Police Station. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspects Arrested
February 7, during the late evening hours, three separate suspects were arrested for driving under the influence. The stops were made in the area of Peck and Clarke, in the 900 block of South Magnolia, and in the area of Myrtle and the 210 Freeway. Two of the suspects were stopped for speeding and were found to be intoxicated. The other was stopped for driving with no headlights during hours of darkness and was found to be intoxicated. All three were arrested and taken into custody. Vehicle Burglary February 8 at 7:24 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of Norumbega. The victim parked and locked his 2003 Toyota at his apartment complex and went inside. When he returned to the vehicle, he found that unknown suspects had opened the vehicle and had stolen miscellaneous items. It is unknown how the suspects entered the vehicle, as there was no evidence of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.

72-Hours Mental Evaluation
February 8 at 10:22 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of West Duarte Road phoned police to report her adult brother had beaten up their father. He was intoxicated and was breaking things in the home. Officers arrived, but the subject had fled the location on foot, jumping fences to get away. The father had been beaten up, but told officers he did not want to prosecute. Officers conducted an area search for the son, but he was not located.

The officers had left the scene, but were called back when the son returned to the location. When the officers approached the subject, he became combative and told officers to shoot and kill him. One of the officers announced he was going to deploy his Taser, and the subject stopped being combative and began a dialogue with the officers. He was eventually taken to a hospital by paramedics for treatment of injuries he sustained jumping over a fence to get away from officers.

At the hospital, the subject told the officers he had planned to get a knife from the kitchen and charge them, so they would have to shoot and kill him, but the officers arrived on scene before he could get the knife. The subject was placed on a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation.

Vehicle Burglary
February 8 at 4:48 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1800 block of South Peck Road. The victim reported that her vehicle had been broken into sometime within the past 10 hours. The back window to her vehicle had been shattered and items had been stolen from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Schools: New Fencing for Mayflower, Santa Fe; Black History Month

~ If approved by the Monrovia Board of Education at its Feb. 11 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/vpDoz9 ), Mayflower Elementary and Santa Fe Middle School will get new fencing. http://goo.gl/ZC9iYZ

~ Here are some events for Monrovia school students to remember Black History Month, including a presentation by the Buffalo Soldiers for Monrovia High students only. http://goo.gl/ppAAJo

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Escapes RadioShack Closures

RadioShack is filing for bankruptcy and is closing a lot of its stores, but apparently not the Monrovia store (at Alta Vista and Huntington). The closest store being closed that I can find is in the Target shopping center in Duarte. http://goo.gl/fzyUPx

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boys Soccer Over La Canada

Monrovia knocks La Canada boys out of the running for Soccer championship with its first victory over LC in at least 14 years. http://goo.gl/0uufwh

- Brad Haugaard

Democrats Endorse Mary Ann Lutz and Scott Austin

The group, Foothill Community Democrats, has endorsed Mary Ann Lutz for Monrovia mayor and Scott Austin for Monrovia City Council. http://goo.gl/hg6tnG

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Flame Broiler

Lunch at Flame Broiler, next to Sprouts on Huntington. It's a healthy rice bowl kind of place. Got the chicken rice bowl for $6.40 and a drink for $1.75. Tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football Players Choose Colleges

Monrovia football players Khalil Bradley and Blake Cusick have given verbal commitments to play for Southern Utah (Bradley) and Fresno State (Cusick). http://goo.gl/iWjL8w

- Brad Haugaard

So Cal Edison: Be Careful With Valentine's Day Balloons

Southern California Edison urges its customers to be careful with Valentine's balloons.

Drifting metallic balloons caused the 656 power outages last year in Edison's service territory.

Valentine's Day balloons traditionally lead to an increase in power outages in February, so SCE is urging customers to make sure their balloons are always tied to weights to prevent them from floating into power lines and causing outages, injuries and property damage.

Last February SCE experienced 30 balloon-related outages, down nearly 50 percent from the 59 in February 2013. But, last year's 656 overall outages were down only 5 percent from the 689 in 2013. This led to 2,965 hours of interruption to customers compared to 2,455 hours in 2013.

Oother safety tips for handling metallic balloons:

- Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon or anything else tangled in power lines. Call SCE at 800-611-1911 and report the problem.

- Never tie a metallic balloon to a child's wrist. If the balloon contacts electricity, it will travel through the balloon and into the child, causing serious injury or death.

- Never attach streamers to any balloon - latex or metallic.

- Don't touch any downed line or dangling wire - even if it appears not to be live. Call 911 immediately.

- When done with balloons, do not release them. Puncture them several times or cut the knot and throw them in the garbage to prevent them from floating away.

Source: SCE press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia State of the City Address: Monday, February 9

Mayor Mary Ann Lutz will deliver the Monrovia Annual State of the City Address on Monday, February 9, 2015 at the Krikorian Premiere Theatres located at 410 South Myrtle Ave. The Address will be given at 7 p.m. inside Theatre 7 and is open to the public. Seating is limited; please RSVP by calling (626) 932-5555 x1401.

A full transcript of the speech will be available the following day on the City website, and the full length Address video will air on KGEM TV's local cable access channel and online at www.KGEM.tv within the month.

Source: City press release

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Train Testing | Are Monrovia Water Lines Getting Too Old?

~ Watch out for Gold Line train testing through summer. During testing, crews will occasionally need to work late, from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Safety reminders: Never walk on the train tracks; Never go around lowered gates; Obey warning signs; Watch for trains from both directions.

~ Monrovia Councilman Tom Adams questions the age of city water lines. http://goo.gl/2abZ9F

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Watch Out if You Have a Chevy Tahoe; Pickup Vs. Bug

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 2-4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 80 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
February 3 at 12:41 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of Linwood. The victim's Chevy Tahoe was parked and locked in front of his residence. The alarm to his vehicle went off and his neighbor looked out and saw a white Tahoe parked next to the victim's vehicle. He chased the suspect vehicle, but the suspect vehicle fled the area. It was later discovered that the third row seats of the victim’s vehicle were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
February 3 at 1:25 p.m., a traffic collision involving injuries occurred in the area of Eighth Avenue and West Duarte Road. A Nissan pickup collided with a Volkswagen bug. Both drivers were found to be unlicensed and both had complaint of pain. The two subjects from the Volkswagen were taken to a hospital for complaint of pain.

Vehicle Burglary
February 3 at 8:06 a.m., police responded to the report of a vehicle burglary in the 400 block of West Lime Avenue. The third row seats had been stolen from a Chevy Tahoe that was parked in the victim’s driveway and locked. The suspect used some type of pry tool to gain entry. The crime occurred sometime between 7:00 p.m. on February 2 and 8:00 a.m. on February 3. The investigation is continuing.

Man In Palm Rescued | Spencer Signs With UCLA | Myrtle Mess | Rain?

~ Firefighters rescue man from 75 feet up palm tree in unincorporated Monrovia. http://goo.gl/1FN9cB

~ Monrovia star safety Octabius Spencer signs with UCLA. http://goo.gl/a7AzrB

~ Myrtle south of the freeway is going to be a mess starting February 9. It will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Evergreen and Duarte while crews remove asphalt for a new median. Also, there will be periodic lane closures on Duarte next week between Magnolia Ave. and California Ave.

~ Fifty percent chance of rain Saturday, and 20% Sunday and Monday: http://goo.gl/kAZVzw

- Brad Haugaard

Will Monrovia's Calvary Chapel Move to Myrtle?

I heard that Calvary Chapel Monrovia - which used to be on Evergreen, just south of the freeway - may move in to the 4th Dimension space on Myrtle. The church had to move to Duarte because the space it was renting is being developed as part of the project surrounding the new Monrovia train station.

My source says that the church is in escrow for the property, though City Planning Division Manager Craig Jimenez tells me that while he is aware that the church has been interested in the site, nothing has yet been filed with the city. I called the church office and left a message. I'll update if I get an answer.

- Brad Haugaard

Interview with Monrovian Who Tracked Down His $10,000 Stolen Watch | Black History Presentation at Library

~ A video interview with the Monrovia man who recovered his stolen $10,000 watch. http://goo.gl/sY7Q8S

~ A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture - program and luncheon at Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2-4 p.m. Speakers: Dr. Wilma Ellis Kazemzadeh, Hope Demetriades, Professor Lua Kamal Yuille. Entertainment.

- Brad Haugaard

Homebrew Shop Opens in Monrovia

If you are into brewing your own beer, today (Tuesday) is the grand opening of the Monrovia Homebrew Shop. Open to 7 p.m. 28 varieties of hops. At 1945 S. Myrtle. Thanks to Brad Hori.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Samson Bear Statue Loses His Head

The wooden statue of Samson, Monrovia's famous hot tub bear, in front of the nature center in Canyon Park, has broken. The head broke off. Picture at Gem City Images: http://goo.gl/ETw0WV

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglary While Resident Sleeping; Biting Her Aunt; Drunk and Violent After Super Bowl

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 29 – February 1. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Residential Burglary
January 29 at 6:04 a.m., a residential burglary was reported at a residence in the 500 block of East Colorado. An unknown suspect entered a residence through an unlocked front door while the resident was sleeping upstairs in his home. The suspect entered the home and took a black briefcase with the victim's checkbooks inside and cash from the victim’s wallet. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
January 29 at 5:21 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Cloverleaf regarding the report of a burglary. The victim left his home at 600 a.m. to go to work. He returned home after work and discovered his front door had been forced open, breaking the door frame. The suspect did not take anything from the home for unknown reasons; however, evidence shows the suspect had gained entry inside the home. The investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
January 29 at 5:35 p.m., police responded to the report of a fight in progress at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle. When the officers arrived, they found there was no fight occurring. They found a male subject who was too intoxicated to stand up on his own that was causing a disturbance. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and was taken into custody and held for sobering.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 4:26 a.m., police received a call reporting a suspicious subject in the area of Myrtle and Greystone Avenue. Officers arrived and located the subject. During their contact with the individual and after investigation, they determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 4:49 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Violet regarding the report of a battery that just occurred. A 22-year-old female was arguing with her aunt because she would not give her a ride to see her boyfriend. The argument escalated, and the 22-year-old niece began knocking over furniture and throwing her aunt’s belongings around her bedroom. The aunt attempted to hold the suspect to stop her from throwing things and was attacked by her niece. The suspect bit her on the arm and scratched her. The suspect then fled from the residence and the aunt called the police. The suspect was located a short distance away and arrested for battery.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 11:56 p.m., officers responded to an apartment in the 700 block of South Myrtle on the report of a domestic violence incident that had just occurred. The suspect had fled the apartment after hitting and pushing his wife. He had come home intoxicated from a Super Bowl party. The victim sustained minor visible injuries which did not require medical attention. The suspect was later apprehended and arrested for felony domestic violence.

Swap Veggies in Monrovia | Evangelistic Seminar at All Nations Church

~ Produce in the Park veggie-sharing this Saturday, February 7, 9-11 a.m. in the southeast corner of Library Park (at Lime and Myrtle).

~ A "Wi-Fi Connection Seminar" will be held at All Nations Seventh Day Adventist Church at 1948 Peck Road in Monrovia on Feb. 20, 21, and 22. Evangelist David Fernandez will speak. http://goo.gl/ImtJyC

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mom Does, Uh, Dancer-Pull Ups

Marisa Inda, Monrovia mom and physical trainer (who likes lifting heavy weights), combines pull-ups with dance and music. Impressive. Here's a clip of her on the Ellen DeGeneres show: http://goo.gl/iHOK7Y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Man Tracks Down Suspect in Theft of His $10,000 Watch

Report from Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez:

"On February 28, 2014, a Monrovia Resident went to exercise at a gym in Pasadena.  The victim secured his personal property in the gym lockers provided.  When he completed his workout, the victim discovered that his locker had been broken into and his property had been stolen (Panerai Men’s Watch, approximate value, 10,000). The victim began monitoring the internet believing that his watch may appear.  In January 2015, the victim saw a watch for bid that he believed was his (based on distinctive markings).  The victim began communicating with the person who was attempting to sell the watch. The victim then contacted Pasadena Police Detective James Riehl, who immediately started to investigate the case.

"Following a comprehensive investigation, James identified a possible suspect.  He contacted the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force (SGVACTF), who began communication with the suspect. SGVACTF detectives arranged a meeting with the suspect, who identified himself as Brandan Rodriguez, a Male Hispanic, 25 years old, from Thousand Oaks. When Rodriguez arrived at the meeting location, he presented the watch to a Pasadena Undercover officer. Rodriguez was immediately taken into custody without incident.  Detective Riehl also discovered that other items were sold from Rodriguez’s on-line account.  James is working with the Postal Inspector to determine if other crimes were committed.    This was a great arrest, which was made through a coordinated effort with the WSGVTask Force."

- Brad Haugaard