Monrovia Police: Monrovia Store Hit in String of 7-Eleven Robberies; Lots of Car Break-Ins; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 4-7. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Petty Theft From a Vehicle
May 5 at 8:30 a.m., two vehicles on a property in the 400 block of Scenic were left unlocked overnight. Someone went through the vehicles during the night and stole several items. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
May 5 at 12:19 p.m., a petty theft from a vehicle was reported at a business parking lot in the 200 block of E. Huntington. The victim parked their vehicle in the parking lot and returned to find their windows had been shattered and miscellaneous items were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary / Grand Theft
May 4 at 1:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a grand theft. The victim parked their vehicle in the parking lot and went into the business. When they returned to their vehicle, they saw a window had been smashed and their camera equipment that was in the vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 3:55 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington phoned police to report they had detained a male suspect for petty theft. The suspect had left the store with merchandise without paying. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Residential Burglary
May 4 at 8:51 p.m., officers responded to a residential burglary in the 400 block of N. Primrose. The victims arrived home and went inside to find their house had been ransacked and the suspects were still inside the location. As the victims entered, the suspects fled out of the house and through a neighbor's yard. The victims ran outside and saw the suspects getting into a waiting vehicle. The vehicle is described as a silver Subaru hatchback with paper plates that said "Sierra." The three suspects were all male and were wearing hooded sweatshirts. The loss is still being determined and the investigation is continuing.

Trespassing / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 10:01 p.m., residents in the 200 block of Montana called police stating they were detaining a subject who was trespassing and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and learned the father was restraining his son. The officer told the father to let go and the officer detained the subject. The officer searched the subject and located a large quantity of methamphetamine and powder cocaine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Armed Robbery
May 4 at 11:10 p.m., police dispatch received a robbery alarm activation from the 7- Eleven in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. Officers arrived and made contact with the employee who pushed the robbery button. He said he had been robbed at gunpoint. The victim described the suspects as male Blacks wearing dark colored hooded sweatshirts. One suspect had a black handgun.

The suspects entered the business and asked for a package of cigars. When the employee turned around, he saw one of the suspects had a gun pointed at him. The other suspect told the employee he wanted the money from the register. The employee opened the one register and set the till on the counter. The suspects told him to open the other register. The employee told the suspects he did not have the pin number to open it. They became impatient and left the store on foot with the till from the one register. An area check was completed, but the suspects were not located and the investigation is continuing.

There were multiple armed robberies with similar suspect information at other 7-Elevens in the San Gabriel Valley that same night, as well as on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

Vehicle Burglaries
May 5 at 4:13 a.m., two vehicles were reported burglarized at a residence in the 1000 block of Norumbega Drive. The victim heard his vehicle alarm sounding, so he came outside to investigate and saw his trunk open and his driver-side window shattered. Two pairs of tennis shoes were taken from the trunk. A second vehicle that belongs to the victim’s girlfriend was also burglarized and the window shattered. A keychain with several keys and an access key card was taken from the vehicle.

At 6:01 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega Drive reported two vehicles had been broken into and items were taken. Both vehicles had their windows shattered. The investigation revealed the suspects were casing the area in a dark-colored Ford Explorer and the crime occurred between 4:00 to 4:09 a.m. The investigations are continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 12:21 p.m., an officer was returning from court and saw a subject he knew had warrants out for his arrest. The subject was riding his bicycle in the area of Myrtle and Cypress. A computer check revealed the subject had four warrants for resisting arrest and driving under the influence on a bike. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 9:49 p.m., dispatch received multiple calls reporting a subject lying down on the railroad tracks at Duarte and Mayflower. Metro also called and said they had stopped the train due to the subject on the tracks. Officers responded and located the subject, but he was no longer on the tracks. The subject was extremely intoxicated and was unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 3:04 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Central and Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic code violation. He stopped the vehicle and when speaking to the driver, he could smell the odor of alcohol. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
May 6 at 6:58 a.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of W. Scenic. The victim called to report his specialized tools had been stolen from his unsecured vehicle. He had left his vehicle parked on Heather Heights for several days and when he returned to his vehicle, the tools were gone. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Walnut on a welfare check. The female subject was concerned about the well-being of her boyfriend, who had left the location. During the investigation, it was discovered that the female subject was a victim of domestic battery. Officers located the suspect in Bradbury and placed him under arrest without incident.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 2:34 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a suspect had stolen merchandise and was running from the location. Officers responded and located the suspect attempting to hide nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Critical Missing – Subject Located
May 6 at 9:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of E. Walnut regarding a developmentally disabled, 17-year-old male who was visiting and had wandered away from the location. Officers immediately began an area check and surrounding agencies were contacted, as well as the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter. The subject was located by Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team officers in Arcadia after approximately 30 minutes and was returned to his family.

Vandalism / Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 11:39 p.m., a subject causing a disturbance at a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle was reported to police. Officers arrived and detained a subject who was under the influence and had confronted two customers, vandalizing one of their vehicles. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 2:18 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A male suspect entered the business, selected merchandise and left the store without paying for the items. The suspect dropped the items as he ran out of the store. Officers located the suspect in the area and learned he also had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for shoplifting and the warrants.

Public Intoxication
May 7 at 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue regarding a man down. They arrived and found a male subject lying on the driveway of a home that did not belong to him. Officers determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Monrovia Days: The Movie

Here's a video introduction to Monrovia Days, coming up May 20 and 21: https://goo.gl/ZcIFDh

- Brad Haugaard

Why Different Streets Are Being Fixed in Different Ways; Work on Foothill; Street Fair Open Later; Tree Trimming; Etc.

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/BCH3aT), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ In answer to residents questions about why the city is using different methods of repairing the streets, he wrote that different methods are used depending on the condition of the street - everything from no treatment to complete reconstruction. In particular, people have been concerned about the "cape seal" process, which involves putting rock chips down on liquid asphalt, letting it set for a couple weeks, then laying down a "slurry seal" to lock the chips in place. He said: "During the initial curing process, loose chips and dust from the initial application of the cape seal can certainly be a serious inconvenience, and here at the City, we apologize for the trouble!"

~ Water line work on Foothill during the week of May 22. Then road repair on Foothill starts on May 30.

~ Hours for Friday Night Street Fair have been extended to 10 p.m.

~ The work on the Huntington Drive medians is almost done. Should be done in a week or two. Work includes touching up (putting "lipstick on the pig," in Chi's words) the signs announcing you are crossing into Monrovia, and replacing the American flags.

~ The city has had 18 applicants for 3 openings on the planning commission; 5 for 2 openings on the Historic Preservation Commission, 11 for 3 vacancies on the Community Services Commission, 5 for 2 vacancies on the Library Board, and 3 for 2 vacancies on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.

~ By June 30 the city plans to trim all the trees in the area between Myrtle and Mayflower, from Huntington to the south border, about 1,300 trees.

~ The Veterans Hike, which was rained out, has been rescheduled for June 17. Veterans and their families are invited on a hike and picnic in Canyon Park starting at 9 a.m. To register call the Library at 256-8274.

~ Friends of the Monrovia Library Spring Book Sale May 19 & 20 at the library. Bargains on books, DVDs, music CDs, and more. Proceeds fund such programs as family concerts, Night Owl Storytime, teen movies, and the Summer Reading Program. Members-only sale on Thursday, May 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Regular sale hours are: Friday, May 19, from 12 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with a $5 bag sale from 4 to 5 p.m. (Saturday only). To join the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library: https://goo.gl/O2TeZY

~ Monrovia Firefighters' Association annual pancake breakfast is on May 13, from 7 to 11 a.m., at Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Ave.). A $5 breakfast that supports local Monrovia charities. Kids under 3 eat for free.

~ 7th annual Fountain to the Falls Run / Walk and health fair is set for Saturday, May 13, at 7 a.m.  This annual race will start at Monrovia Library Park. Medals will be awarded to the best time for male and female participants, and for first place through third place in each age category.  The race is limited to 325 participants. Registration through May 10 is $35. Event day registration is $45. For additional information, contact the Public Services at 256-8246. Register here: https://goo.gl/oidXXV

- Brad Haugaard

Final Evensong of Season

St. Luke's Episcopal Church will present the final Evensong performance of the 2016-2017 season on Sunday, May 21, at 4 p.m. at the church, at 122 South California Avenue. A wine and cheese reception will follow and an offering will be taken. The program will include John Blow's Let My Prayer Come Up, William Smith's Preces and Responses in G, and Richard Farrant's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G Minor. Declare His Honor, by Henry Purcell, will feature staff singers Caitlin Stave, Trisha Rivera, Colin Stave and Sean Gabel.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Drone Maker Unveils Palm-Launched Drone for Military

Monrovia drone maker, AeroVironment, has announced a new mini-drone that soldiers can launch from the palms of their hands. It is an outgrowth of its earlier hummingbird drone.https://goo.gl/aVTzux

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Extending Dual Language Program; Lost Money

At its May 10 meeting the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Hear a report on its dual-language program. The district has implemented a second dual-language program, this one in Mandarin. The staff report on the first program, for Spanish speakers, says: "Beginning in Kindergarten, students learned in 90 percent Spanish 10 percent English, and by 5th grade will be learning 50 percent English and 50 percent Spanish."

Comment: There must be something I'm missing here because it sounds as if non-English speakers have only half learned English after six years in Monrovia schools. If that is the case it is unclear why the district would want to extend this failure to yet another language. 

~ Try to get back some of the money it lost when students stayed home from school because of a threat of violence posted on social media. It will ask the state for a waiver to get it back. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Don't Let Cinco de Mayo Be Deadly

Cinco de Mayo has become a deadly holiday due to drunk and drugged driving. Forty people were killed in impaired driving crashes across the nation during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period in 2015.

Officers from the Monrovia Police Department will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. DUI Saturation Patrol will deploy on May 5, 2017, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.

High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized, proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

From 2011-2015, 270 people were killed nationwide in impaired driving crashes during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period. In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Monrovia PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Plan your sober ride home before the party begins this Cinco de Mayo. Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb. The cost of a ride home is cheap! Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this DUI operation is provided to Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.’ 

Source: Monrovia Police

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Thefts from Cars; Another Bear; Drugs and Alcohol; No Mental Problem, But Arrested; Etc.

Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 1-3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 449 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 1 at 8:17 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Mountain View called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered their unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street and took a credit card. The investigation continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 1 at 9:07 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Shamrock Avenue called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered both of her vehicles that were parked on the street and took miscellaneous items. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 1 at 12:12 p.m., a subject came into the police department lobby regarding a possible mental health issue. The investigation revealed the subject was not in any mental health distress; however, he did have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and is being held pending his court appearance.

Bear Incident

May 1 at 5:06 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Norumbega called police to report a bear inside her home. The bear broke through a window to gain access. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified. They responded and relocated the bear.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspects Arrested

May 1 at 7:18 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 200 block of Norumbega for vehicle code violations. During the investigation, the driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested. The passenger was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 2 at 8:07 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of May Avenue called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street and stole miscellaneous coins. The investigation is continuing.

 Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

May 3 at 12:09 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of Valley View regarding a male adult subject causing a disturbance. They arrived and found the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself and his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 1:07 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington when he conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. A computer check of the subject revealed a warrant. The subject was arrested for the warrant and was found to also be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 3 at 3:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of E. Olive regarding a male adult subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and detained the subject. A computer check revealed he had four warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Court Order Violation

May 3 at 1:54 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of S. Mayflower called police to report her son, whom she has a restraining order against, was at the location refusing to leave. Officers arrived and located the subject in the mother’s vehicle. He was arrested for violation of the restraining order. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 3 at 4:03 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1000 block of E. Huntington Drive. The victim reported that while he was away, someone entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street. The loss could not be determined. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision

May 3 at 7:17 p.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision at Mountain and Central. A vehicle traveling west on Central ran the red traffic signal at Mountain and collided into a vehicle traveling south on Mountain. One subject complained of pain and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Carrying an Air Gun within a City Park / Being in a Park After Hours – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 12:03 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 300 block of S. Myrtle and saw a subject sitting near the entrance to the library after the park was closed. Due to it being after park hours, the officers contacted the subject. During a pat-down search, officers recovered a BB gun in the subject's pocket. The subject was arrested for the violations. The subject was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Vehicle Burglary

May 4 at 4:34 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of Vaquero Road. The victim’s vehicle was parked in the driveway. The victim looked outside from the second story window and saw the suspect inside her vehicle. She yelled out the window and the suspect fled. The suspect entered the vehicle by prying the passenger side of the vehicle open. The loss is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

May 4 at 4:59 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 600 block of S. Magnolia. The victim heard power tools outside of his residence and saw two subjects in hooded sweatshirts near his vehicle. One of the subjects yelled to the other and they fled in a silver Honda Element, heading north on Magnolia and out of sight. The victim checked his vehicle and discovered his catalytic converter was taken from his Honda Element. The investigation is continuing. 

City to Install 'Real Change' Meters to Give to Homeless, Etc.

In his weekly update, City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ The city is planning to install "Real Change Movement" meters in Old Town so you can give to the homeless through Foothill Unity Center instead of giving directly to the homeless, to avoid having the money used for destructive behaviors. 

~ City staff has been developing public education materials related to the Taking Back Our Parks & Streets program to highlight the negative impacts that AB 109, Prop 47, and Prop 57 have had. Basically the materials explain the problem and urge residents to contact their state legislators. 

~ The Monrovia Fire Department has received an early report that it has been upgraded to a  Class 2 department, just a whisker away from Class 1. This means homeowners should get a break on home insurance. 

~ The city is selling two pieces of property, at 498 Monrovista Avenue (6,250 square feet), estimated value $210,000, and 1234 Sherman Avenue (6,652 square feet, estimated value $335,000. 

~ There will be music performed by a variety of artists Wednesday and Saturday nights through Saturday, Sept. 2, in Old Town, 6-8 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard 

How to Exist With Wildlife

There will be a free seminar on coexisting with wildlife on May 21 from 3 to 4 p.m. No RSVP required. Topics include how to prevent wild critters from visiting your property and what to do if you see a wild animal like a coyote or bear.

https://goo.gl/maowrQ

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Reports Loss

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Co. has reported a loss of $2.2 million in its first quarter, or 5 cents a share. https://goo.gl/cczbPB

- Brad Haugaard 

Veterans Hike Postponed

The veterans hike scheduled for this Saturday will be rescheduling in June due to rain, according to Rebecca Elder, Adult Services Supervisor at the Monrovia Public Library. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police Ticket 96 'Distracted' Drivers

During the month of April, motorists caught violating California’s distracted-driving law received a clear message from law enforcement during the high-visibility enforcement campaign.

“Using a hand-held phone for calls, texting or apps while driving is something we all know is dangerous and wrong, but too many drivers are doing it anyway. So when we see it, we show zero tolerance,” said Lieutenant Rob Wilken, Monrovia Police Department.

The Monrovia Police Department issued 96 citations to violators of California’s distracted-driving law during the recent enforcement period. The law provides that it is illegal to hold and use a cell phone while texting, calling or using apps while driving. It must be affixed to the vehicle and may be operated in hands free mode using voice activation or used with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

“Distracted driving kills too many people for us to ignore the facts and pretend it’s okay—it is never acceptable to text and drive,” said Lieutenant Rob Wilken. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed, nationwide, and another 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015.

Offenders caught texting and driving will face tickets totaling at least $162, and higher for a second violation. Though the high-visibility enforcement effort is over, law enforcement officers will continue watching for distracted drivers to make sure all motorists keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

This campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Hit and Run; Cars Recovered; Assault at Bar; Drugs and Alcohol; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 27-30. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision

April 27 at 9:51 a.m., officers responded to Magnolia and Evergreen on the report of a hit and run traffic collision. The suspect driver rear-ended a vehicle and fled the scene. Officers checked the area for the suspect vehicle and located it in the 400 block of Andre in the city of Duarte. The driver of the vehicle was also located and he had sustained injuries from the accident when his head hit the windshield. The windshield had cracked and lacerated his forehead. The vehicle was towed and the driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver admitted to being involved in the collision.

Grand Theft Auto

April 27 at 7:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a stolen vehicle report. The victim left his keys unattended on a table inside of a restaurant for approximately ten minutes. When he returned to the table, he realized his keys were gone. He went out to the parking lot and saw that his vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered / Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 7:25 a.m., a suspicious person was reported at a business in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. A female subject entered the location and was driving around inside the property. A worker thought the female was acting suspicious and phoned police to report the activity. Officers arrived and located the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen and the female suspect was under the influence. She was arrested and the vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner.

Vandalism Incident

April 28 at 8:39 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Sesmas regarding a vandalism incident. The victim reported that the windows on her vehicle had been shattered. A female adult in a dark colored SUV was seen driving up to the victim's vehicle. The female exited the SUV and proceeded to shatter multiple windows on the vehicle. She then got back into the SUV and left the area. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered

April 28 at 6:10 p.m., an abandoned vehicle was reported in the 100 block of E. Cypress. The black Chevy Tahoe had been parked there for three days. The license plate number was checked and it returned to a vehicle reported stolen out of Pomona. Officers responded and recovered the vehicle.

Assault Report

April 28 at 9:36 p.m., a nurse from a local hospital phoned police to report a subject in the ER that had been assaulted in Monrovia. Officers responded and spoke to the subject, who said he had been assaulted at a bar in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. He said he had been drinking and playing pool. At approximately 8:00 p.m., he stepped out to the back alley to use the restroom when he was assaulted. He didn't know the suspects, but believes there were three of them. The victim had some facial wounds and some bruising to his upper torso area, where he was possibly hit or kicked. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 10:25 p.m., an officer was on patrol the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks when he saw a vehicle traveling on the opposite side of the road. He stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, who displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. After performing field sobriety tests, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 10:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the report of a disturbing subject at Foothill and Magnolia. The subject was shining a flashlight at drivers. An officer responded and located the subject at Magnolia and Chestnut. The officer stopped to talk to him and a computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 29 at 10:15 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 600 block of W. Foothill. The victim reported that they parked their vehicle on Highland the day before, and when they returned to the vehicle the next day, they saw items were missing. The vehicle had been left unlocked. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft

April 29 at 12:45 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 400 block of W. Maple. A female adult walked into the business and took a cell phone and pair of shoes that belonged to a customer who was taking a class. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 29 at 10:19 p.m., an employee at a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report a disturbing female inside the location who was throwing items. They asked her to leave and she refused. Officers arrived and spoke to the subject. A computer check revealed an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Intoxicated in Public – Suspect Arrested

April 29 at 11:05 p.m., officers responded to the report of a man down on the sidewalk in the 100 block of Montana. Officers arrived, made contact with the subject and determined he was intoxicated. The subject was unable to care for his own safety and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period.

Intoxicated in Public – Suspect arrested

April 30 at 1:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Colorado when he noticed a male subject walking on the sidewalk, having some difficulty. The officer made contact with the subject and realized he was intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and was held for sobering.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 30 at 11:41 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Orange called police to report a theft from his vehicle. The theft occurred sometime overnight and the suspect(s) entered the unlocked vehicle and stole a bag of tools. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 30 at 2:42 p.m., officers responded to the report of a theft from a vehicle in the 200 block of E. Cypress. The victim reported that sometime overnight, someone entered his unlocked vehicle and stole his wallet. The investigation is continuing. 

Monrovia High and Mayflower Named 'Star Schools'

Monrovia High and Mayflower Elementary have been named Star Schools by the Campaign for Business & Education Excellence for narrowing achievement gaps between student populations. At both schools, Hispanic and socioeconomically disadvantaged students raised their English scores and outperformed schools with similar demographics for English and math.

- Brad Haugaard

National Day of Prayer May 4

The Interfaith Council of Monrovia will participate in National Day of Prayer on May 4 from 7-8 p.m. at the Tzu Chi Foundation, at 206 E. Palm.

Marijuana and Airplanes at Monrovia City Council

Old airplane mural

New airplane mural

The Monrovia City Council will discuss marijuana regulation proposals at a study session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. https://goo.gl/d9QyT1

Then, at the regular meeting at 7:30, the council will consider a proposal to redo the airplane mural in Old Town, behind the Paradis Ice Cream shop on the west side of Myrtle. The old mural "is definitely showing its age." Other possible improvements may include better lighting to make the breezeway area "more inviting and safe." https://goo.gl/PJTF3q

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Kiku Sushi

 

Dinner at Kiki Sushi, in the Huntington Oaks shopping center. Got the Geisha Combo (8 pieces of Sushi) for $15.99 and a medium beer for $4.99. It came with a little salad,  a bowl of miso soup, and a tiny scoop of ice cream for desert. The fish was very fresh and good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia to Offer CPR Training

Monrovia Fire & Rescue will provide free hands-only CPR training on Sidewalk CPR Day, Thursday, June 1, at Library Park (321 S. Myrtle Ave.), from 8 a.m. to noon Last year, more than 17,000 people in Southern California learned how to save a life in just five minutes with a quick lesson from local firefighters and medical professionals through the coordinated LA County- wide Sidewalk CPR Day program.

"Thanks to easy access to training, Citizen CPR is rapidly growing as a way to empower bystanders to save a life when someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest," said Captain Chris Huson. "We are glad to team up with the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency and the American Heart Association to bring Sidewalk CPR to our local community. With 80 percent of all cardiac arrests occurring at home, we need to help family and friends learn how to double or triple their loved one's chance of survival."

Learning hands-only CPR helps local emergency responders by focusing on the first few critical minutes following a cardiac arrest.  Since the lungs and blood contain only enough oxygen to keep vital organs healthy for that amount of time, bystanders become heroes until emergency responders arrive on scene. With each chest compression using hands-only CPR, ordinary citizens can easily provide the ongoing blood flow needed to give the patient a much better chance of survival once responders arrive.

Once trained, citizens are encouraged to download the PulsePoint app, which was activated in Los Angeles County last August. More than 33,000 CPR-trained citizens have downloaded this lifesaving app to receive notifications that someone nearby is in need of CPR.  To learn more, visit the PulsePoint Foundation website at www.pulsepoint.org.

Only 32 percent of victims receive CPR from a bystander. Don't be a bystander in a cardiac emergency, be a lifesaver. For more information about this upcoming training, contact Captain Chris Huson at 256-8119 or chuson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Is Stolen, Recovered, Then It Burns; Student Doesn't Have Gun; Under the Influence

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 24-26. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 453 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
April 24 at 1:11 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington Drive. The suspect entered the business, selected merchandise and fled on a bicycle without paying for the merchandise. Officers located the suspect a short distance away. The investigation revealed the suspect was on parole and he admitted to the theft. The suspect was arrested and is being held pending a court appearance.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
April 24 at 2:33 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 Block of S. Primrose when he recognized a subject who he knew had an active felony WANT for his arrest. The officer made contact with the suspect and arrested him without incident. He was held pending his court appearance.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 24 at 2:38 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of S. Myrtle regarding subjects loitering near the park. The officer recognized one of the subjects and knew he had outstanding warrant. A computer check confirmed an outstanding bench warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. He is being held pending his court appearance.

Residential Burglary
April 24 at 4:38 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of S. Myrtle. The home was burglarized while the victims were away for the day. The suspects forced entry through a back window and ransacked the home. Jewelry and miscellaneous property was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Under Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
April 24 at 7:48 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject in his 20s, lying in the street. When the officer arrived, the subject jumped up and ran. Additional units responded to the area and the suspect was apprehended in an alley in the 100 block of W. Lemon. The suspect was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Theft of Purse
April 24 at 9:05 p.m., a theft of a purse was reported at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. An elderly female victim was shopping for approximately one hour when she realized her purse was missing from her shopping cart. The victim believes someone removed her purse from her cart while she was shopping. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered / Fire
April 24 at 9:15 p.m., an officer responded to California and Duarte regarding a vehicle on fire. Duarte Sheriffs deputies arrived on scene prior. A check of the license plate revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of San Bernardino. The driver of the vehicle was the registered owner, who had reported his vehicle stolen on April 1. He saw his vehicle at a business in San Bernardino that day and took his vehicle. He did not call San Bernardino Police Department to let them know he recovered his vehicle. He said he was driving on the 210 Freeway when his front tire started smoking. He exited Mountain and drove to Duarte Road, where the vehicle caught on fire.

Felony Vandalism
April 25 at 3:43 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 800 block of W. Olive. The victim reported that someone shattered the windows on his vehicle. A tall subject was seen throwing bricks through the windows and running east on Olive. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 9:37 a.m., a male subject was reported huffing something from a bag in the 600 block of W. Myrtle. Officers arrived and detained the subject. The investigation revealed the suspect was inhaling the propellant gas from an aerosol can, and he was under the influence. The suspect was issued a citation and taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

Vehicle Burglary
April 25 at 1:22 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Oceanview regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim called to report that she parked and locked her vehicle and returned later to find someone had burglarized it. Miscellaneous items were taken and the investigation is continuing.

Fight in Progress
April 25 at 10:42 p.m., dispatch received several calls reporting a fight in progress in the 800 block of W. Olive. Prior to police arrival, three subjects jumped into a white Lexus and fled east on Olive. Officers stopped the vehicle in the 700 block of W. Walnut. One of the subjects inside the vehicle was injured in the fight and was treated by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics. All three subjects were uncooperative with police. Officers did not locate the other subjects involved in the fight. The incident does not appear to be gang related.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 7:18 a.m., officers responded to the report of suspicious drug activity in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The officers arrived and contacted the person in question. After speaking with the subject, it was determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Suspicious Activity Reported
April 26 at 7:49 a.m., a citizen called police and reported seeing a male juvenile exit a vehicle with a handgun. The juvenile appeared to be a student at Monrovia High School. Officers responded and located the unoccupied vehicle. The registered owner of the vehicle was a new student at the high school. The student was located in a classroom and the school was placed on soft alert; staff is notified to keep students in class and no change of class or bells are activated. The student was removed from class and questioned. Officers learned he had a brother in another class. The sibling was located and questioned. The juveniles’ backpacks, vehicle and lockers were searched and no weapons were found. Police then contacted the parents and confirmed there was no way they could have any weapons.