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Monrovia Police: 12 Catalytic Converters Stolen on One Day; Bear in the House; Sleeping While Driving; Vehicle vs. Bicycle; Blocking Driveway; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 6 – June 12. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 508 service events, resulting in 89 investigations. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 12:09 a.m., an officer was patrolling a park in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he located a male camping in the park after hours. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 1:43 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported a male in the street yelling. Officers arrived and located the subject. Upon contact officers determined he was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
June 6 at 8:09 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Walnut reported his vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
June 6 at 9:37 a.m., a caller in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle called to report his vehicle had been burglarized. The rear passenger window was opened and the suspect(s) ransacked the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 6 at 5:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Primrose and Huntington regarding an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a bicyclist. The bicyclist sustained scrapes and scratches. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. The at fault driver was cited at the scene.

Warrants / Weapon Offense / Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 7:52 p.m., while patrolling the 800 block of Royal Oak an officer saw a suspicious subject and made contact with him. A computer search revealed the subject had warrants for his arrest. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of weapons and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
June 7 at 1:21 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Oakleaf reported her son was fighting people in the house and breaking things. Officers arrived and determined he was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 7 at 4:04 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of N. Melrose reported a hit and run traffic collision. The suspect car collided into her vehicle and fled the scene. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 5:24 p.m., a caller in the area of Myrtle and Duarte called to report a driver asleep behind the wheel while in a traffic lane. Officers arrived and located the driver who appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. An investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was transported to a hospital for further investigation.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 10:00 p.m., officers patrolling the 100 block of W. Lime saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code and conducted a traffic stop. An investigation revealed a loaded firearm in the bed of the truck where a passenger was sitting. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 10:08 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Lime requested a welfare check on a person laying on the ground. Officers arrived and located the subject who was determined was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 2:47 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 100 block of S. Myrtle for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the driver was impaired and driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
June 8 at 6:07 a.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of E. Duarte called to report a break in. The glass door was shattered and money was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
June 8 at 6:25 p.m., a victim in a retail shopping center in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported his work vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery
June 8 at 9:21 p.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject walked into the store, took property and fled without paying. When employees attempted to stop him, he used physical force to flee. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
June 8 at 9:25 p.m., a victim in a car dealership in the 1400 block of S. Mountain called to report his vehicle had been tampered with. He left the vehicle at the dealership for several days and when he returned he discovered the door was unlocked and the ignition had been damaged. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
June 8 at 11:59 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of Fig. The vehicle was located and confirmed stolen out of Los Angeles. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 10 at 1:04 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report his tools were stolen from his vehicle in the 200 block of Violet. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 2:19 p.m., while patrolling the 1500 block of S. Myrtle an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer made contact with the driver and occupants. A computer search revealed a passenger had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence
June 10 at 3:53 p.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report a domestic violence incident. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 11:51 p.m., a female suspect wanted for domestic violence walked into the MPD lobby to turn herself in. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
June 11 at 12:18 p.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill came in to report a subject cashed a fake check at the location. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
June 11 at 1:38 p.m., a victim in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock called to report her identity was stolen and the suspect applied for a loan and made a fake identification with the victim’s information. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 5:08 p.m., a caller in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle reported a subject was standing in the carport of her residence blocking her from entering, refusing to move. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 7:50 p.m., an employee from a pharmacy in the 900 block of E. Huntington reported a male adult subject filled a bag with merchandise and left the store without paying. Officers arrived and located the subject who was holding the stolen merchandise. He was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Non-Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 11 at 8:11 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Cherry reported a hit and run traffic collision. Officers arrived and determined a vehicle collided with a parked vehicle and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation
June 12 at 12:04 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Lime reported a suspicious male subject next to a closed business. Officers arrived and located the male subject who was suffering from a mental illness. Officers determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Commercial Burglaries
June 12 at 2:28 a.m., an alarm company reported an alarm activation at a business in the 800 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and determined the front glass of a business had been shattered and money was taken. An investigation revealed a neighboring business had also been burglarized in the same manner. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
June 12 at 5:40 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Foothill reported his work truck had been broken into and tools stolen overnight. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 12 at 5:51 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of Prospect reported his catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 12 at 6:46 a.m., a victim in the 800 block of E. Lime called to report the catalytic converter was stolen from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 12 at 7:08 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Foothill reported his catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 12 at 7:29 a.m., a caller in the 400 block of E. Olive reported his catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
June 12 at 7:39 a.m., a victim walked into the MPD lobby to report his work truck was broken into and tools taken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
June 12 at 9:27 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of Violet called to report someone had broken into his work truck and stole tools. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 12 at 9:44 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Almond reported his catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 12 at 2:58 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of Sierra Vista reported his catalytic converter stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense
June 12 at 3:27 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Pomona reported receiving a package that did not belong to him. The package contained drug paraphernalia. This investigation is continuing.

Bear
June 12 at 4:54 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of N. Primrose reported a bear inside her residence. Officers arrived and checked the residence but the bear was gone.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 12 at 5:15 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Monterey. One of the drivers suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
June 12 at 9:08 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of S. California discovered his vehicle's catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 12 at 9:28 p.m., employees of a restaurant in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a male adult asleep on their dining patio refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject who was found to be heavily intoxicated. Officers determined he was unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fight in Progress – Suspects Arrested
June 12 at 10:15 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Olive reported seeing subjects fighting in the park next to her home. Officers arrived and located the subjects fighting. They were both placed one another under private persons arrest for battery, then were released in the field.

Dinner at Mahan Indian Restaurant


Dinner at Mahan Indian Restaurant, at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Foothill. I got the chicken korma ($16), a 22 oz. beer ($9), and we shared a bowl of rice ($3). (Sorry, forgot to take a picture before digging in.) Yummy!

- Brad Haugaard

Sandy Will Turn Her Purr Motor On For You; No Charge Adoption


Sandy is such a sweetheart! This three-year-old brown tabby is so happy to see you, she turns into a purr machine the moment you walk into the room with her.

She has won over a lot of volunteers at Pasadena Humane. They adore her cute meows and willingness to receive all the attention they pour onto her. She loves pets and cuddles and if you bring her a treat, you might just be her favorite person ever!

Sandy has an old leg injury that affects her mobility. It does not seem to bother her, but her dreams of competing in the Olympics may never be a reality.

Sandy and all other cats over 6 months old can be adopted at no charge throughout June (Adopt-A-Cat Month)!

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30, and can be scheduled online. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Yoga in the Park June 22

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department Crew in 1933

The Monrovia Fire Department crew at the 141 E. Lemon station in 1933. From the Kim Anderson collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Tabletop Games For Adults at Library Friday

Tabletop Game Night for adults at Monrovia Public Library this Friday, June 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Play new and social games, meet new people, and have fun. For information email aloera@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8254.

- Brad Haugaard

Ukelele Lessons for Kids, Thursday at Library


Ukulele workshop for children 6-12 this Thursday, June 13,  3-4 p.m. in the Library Story Room. No prior experience is required and ukuleles will be provided. Registration is required and only 1 seat remains  as of this posting. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Committee to Select Art for Huntington Drive Pedestrian Bridge


The city's Art in Public Places Committee (agenda here) will select a design to paint on both sides of the pedestrian bridge that crosses Huntington Drive. Above is one of the options, for the bridge as you see it going eastbound towards Shamrock. See the rest here. (Click on art to make it bigger.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Area Partnership Block Party June 22

Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wins All-America City Award


The National Civic League has just named Monrovia an All-American city at its award event in Denver.

The league's website says, "The Award, bestowed yearly on 10 communities (more than 500 in all), recognizes the work of communities in using inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses and nonprofit and government leaders."

- Brad Haugaard 

Produce and Food at Farmers Market Today


A very nice selection of produce and food at the Monrovia Farmers Market at Station Square today.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia School Board Will Consider Two Administrative Job Descriptions; Budget; Local Control Funding; Etc.


At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Consider approving a job description for Executive Director of Educational Services (details)  and Executive Director of Adult Education (details

~ Hold a public hearing on the 2024-25 proposed budget. See budget here.

~ Hold a public hearing on the district's Local Control Funding Formula, which shows school funding sources and "gives school districts more flexibility in deciding how to use state funds." Formula here

~ Consider approving a tentative agreement with the Monrovia Teachers Association (details) and the California School Employees Association (details).

 ~ Consider offering a course in Mandarin 3 Chinese. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Man Charged With Murder in Shooting Death of Nicolas Gandara

Christopher Wiggan, 42, a homeless person, has been charged with murder in the shooting of Nicolas Gandara, a father of six who was trying to stop a dispute near his home on Duarte Road. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

State Captures House-Breaking Bear, But Is It Oreo?

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has captured a bear that  recently broke into a house near Alta Vista and Hillcrest, walking out with a bag of Oreos, thus giving the bear the nickname Oreo. Hair from the bear will be tested to make sure it is really Oreo. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

The Crimson, New Entertainment Restaurant, Planned for Myrtle

The owner of the Copper Still Grill plans to open a combination entertainment venue/restaurant, called The Crimson, on the west side of Myrtle just north of JB Burgers. Owner Steve Kwan plans that, "The Crimson will feature two shows a night, showcasing a specific music genre including but not limited to jazz, blues, and country music," and "The proposed American menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and pizza, as well as a variety of beverages, including the incidental service and sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits." The Planning Commission staff report says, "The Crimson’s business model envisions a sophisticated atmosphere and entertainment venue that offers live music performances and a complete dining experience," and recommends the plan be approved with conditions. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Tour Monrovia Tech Company LiNova Energy June 12

Information and tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Homicide Near Duarte Road; Woman Throwing Rocks Gets Mental Evaluation; Catalytic Converter Stolen; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 30 – June 5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 548 service events, resulting in 119 investigations.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 9:01 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw possible drug activity. The officer made contact with the subjects. An investigation revealed one of the subjects was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary
May 30 at 10:14 a.m., a caller in the 700 block of S. Myrtle reported that his apartment key and some jewelry was missing from his apartment. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
May 30 at 10:29 a.m., a resident in the 20 block of Hidden Valley reported his mailbox was opened and mail stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Missing Located
May 30 at 11:00 a.m., while patrolling the 600 block of W. Huntington an officer made contact with a male subject. A computer check revealed the subject was reported missing out of Los Angeles. He was removed from the missing person's system.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 30 at 12:11 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Peck and Clark saw a vehicle in violation of a traffic code. The officer conducted a traffic stop and saw drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
May 30 at 12:12 p.m., a caller from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck reported that they were in possession of fraudulent checks used to pay for services. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 12:20 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle officers made contact with three subjects in a park after posted hours. It was determined that the subjects were in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
May 31 at 8:14 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a male subject who stole merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
May 31 at 11:25 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported a theft from his unlocked vehicle. His wallet was stolen and fraudulent activity was reported on his credit cards. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
May 31 at 1:10 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle reported that a male subject entered the store, stole a watch from a display, and fled. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
May 31 at 3:39 p.m., a caller in the area of Monterey and Huntington stated she was standing on the corner holding up a sign when a subject in a vehicle threw a can at her and it struck leg. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 8:47 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Mountain and Huntington observed a vehicle commit traffic violations and conducted a traffic stop. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
May 31 at 9:53 p.m., a victim in a retail shopping center in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported her vehicle was stolen from the parking lot. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 1 at 1:14 a.m., an officer patrolling the 300 block of S. Myrtle observed a person in a park after hours. The officer contacted the subject and determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 1 at 2:08 a.m., officers were alerted to a trespasser in the 600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
June 2 at 8:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Lime regarding a female subject threatening people and throwing rocks. Officers arrived and located the female and made contact with her. An investigation determined she was a danger to herself and others. She was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Homicide
June 2, 2024, at 9:22 p.m., the Monrovia Fire and Police Department were dispatched to the 700 block of W. Duarte Road after several callers reported hearing a gunshot. One caller reported a gunshot victim in front of her house and that the suspect fled north along the Santa Anita Wash. Officers arrived and found the adult male victim who had been shot and immediately began life saving measures. Officers located a person of interest running north along the wash. The victim was transported to a hospital for emergency care and was later pronounced deceased. The person of interest was located and detained by the Foothills Special Enforcement Team. This investigation is being handled by the LA County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 11:33 a.m., officers patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle and stopped to make contact with two subjects. The officers noticed drug paraphernalia on the ground next to both subjects. A search of the subjects revealed one of the subjects was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
June 5 at 8:11 a.m., a non-injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Evergreen and Mayflower. A report was taken.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
June 5 at 11:03 a.m., officers responded to the area of Fifth and Olive regarding a traffic collision. A report was taken.

Domestic Battery
June 3 at 7:18 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Olive came walked into the MPD lobby to report that her boyfriend slapped her the previous day. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 11:16 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1800 block of S. Mayflower when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officers conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the subject. A search revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, cited, and released at the scene.

Grand Theft
June 4 at 1:47 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Colorado was inside his home when he heard the sound of someone cutting metal outside so he called the police. Officers arrived and discovered a vehicle parked on the street had its catalytic converter stolen and the suspects were gone. The owner of the vehicle was contacted. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
June 4 at 8:19 a.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Duarte reported his work van had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 5 at 4:37 a.m., Arcadia Police Officers responded to the report of a stolen package from a residence in the 200 block of East Sycamore Avenue in the City of Arcadia. The package was equipped with a global positioning satellite (GPS) device and the officers followed its path into the City of Monrovia. While attempting to locate the tracked package, the Arcadia officers discovered a solo-vehicle traffic collision in the 300 block of West Maple in the City of Monrovia. Monrovia Police Officers responded to the scene and conducted the traffic collision investigation. The two occupants of the vehicle were transported by paramedics to local hospitals for injuries sustained in the collision. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the hospital and the passenger is still being treated for moderate injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 5 at 11:07 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Huntington reported his parked vehicle had collision damage. This investigation is continuing.

Drunk in Public
June 5 at 1:27 p.m., a caller in the area of Encino and Duarte reported a male subject drinking and arguing with the caller. Officers arrived and located the subject who was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Mental Evaluation
June 5 at 4:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a female subject asking for help. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject who reported that she had been arguing with her boyfriend and he was breaking things in their home. Officer made contact with the male subject and determined he was a danger to himself and other. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Park Violation – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 12:09 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he located a male subject in a park after hours. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 1:43 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte reported a male in the street yelling. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fundraiser Set Up for Family of Would-Be Peacemaker Shot Down Sunday Night


A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created here to benefit the family of Nicolas Gandara, 38, who was shot down as he tried to keep things peaceful in a dispute between a homeless person and local residents near Duarte Road and the Santa Anita Wash. Gandara was married and had six children.

The fundraiser is attempting to raise $85,000, and has already raised $56,981 as of this writing.

- Brad Haugaard

Father of Six Was Victim of Shooting on Duarte Road

The man shot and killed near Duarte Road while trying to be a peacemaker between a homeless man and residents was Nicolas Gandara, 38, husband and father of six children. A homeless man has been arrested in connection with the killing. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Lord Empanada


Dinner at Lord Empanada, on the east side of Myrtle just south of the freeway. Got two empanadas (chicken and spinach/cheese) at $3.95 each and a bottle of water for $2. (Price per empanada goes down to $3.50 each if you order a dozen.) Very tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard