Monrovia Police: Explosives found in home; Indecent exposure suspect arrested; Bank impostor steals debit card; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 17 - 22, 2026. 403 calls for service, 75 investigations, 6 mental evaluations, 4 traffic collisions, 23 arrests. - Brad Haugaard]

SEPTEMBER 17

Outside Assist

At 12:53 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 210 freeway and Monterey regarding a traffic collision. Officers arrived and discovered multiple drivers struck a female subject walking in the carpool lane. Officers were assisting until CHP arrived.

Indecent Exposure – Suspect Arrested

At 8:40 a.m., a victim in the 900 block of Genoa reported a male subject was exposing himself. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism

At 7:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to an alley in the 100 block of W. Palm regarding juveniles vandalizing a wall. Officers arrived and found the wall was vandalized. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft

At 9:02 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of W. Huntington reported the theft of an electric scooter. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

At 9:40 p.m., officers responded to an alley in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a suspicious male subject. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

SEPTEMBER 18

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 12:17 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of W. Foothill reported a suspicious person loitering. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. He was found to be in possession of an open alcohol container and he displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested

At 2:09 p.m., an employee for a store in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away, still in possession of the stolen merchandise. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism

At 3:02 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported that his parked vehicle was vandalized. Officers arrived and discovered that a female subject keyed multiple panels and damaged the paint. This investigation is continuing.

False Tabs – Suspect Arrested

At 7:56 p.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Cypress an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. An investigation revealed the vehicle’s registration tabs were fraudulently printed. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft

At 8:03 p.m., an electric bicycle theft was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

At 8:12 p.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested

At 10:42 p.m., while patrolling the area of Evergreen and Shamrock an officer made contact with two subjects. An investigation revealed one subject had warrants for their arrest and both subjects were found to be in possession of a controlled substance. They were arrested and taken into custody.

SEPTEMBER 19

Domestic Battery

At 3:38 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of E. Olive reported her former boyfriend slapped her and fled. He was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 5:36 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of W. Palm, where a suspect threatened a victim with a knife. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 11:40 p.m., while patrolling the 600 block of W. Huntington officers recognized a subject from prior contacts. Officers made contact with the subject. A computer search confirmed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

SEPTEMBER 20

Court Order Violation

At 2:13 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of Los Angeles reported a male subject violated a court order after texting her. This investigation is continuing.

Property for Destruction

At 5:10 p.m., a male subject walked into the MPD lobby to drop off explosive munitions he found in a home he was cleaning. The LASD bomb squad was notified and they took possession of the items in question.

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 7:06 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 600 block of S. Shamrock regarding a female subject seen running away from a male subject. Officers arrived and made contact with both parties. An investigation revealed the male and female subject used to be in a dating relationship, the male subject was restrained from making contact with the female subject, and he violated the court order for approaching the female and speaking to her. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 9:52 p.m., while patrolling the area of Huntington and Magnolia an officer saw a vehicle in violation of a vehicle code. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

SEPTEMBER 21

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested

At 10:34 p.m., a business owner in the 200 block of E. Duarte reported a male and female subjects were loitering on private property and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the subjects. An investigation revealed the male subject had warrants for his arrest and was restrained from making contact with the female subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto

At 6:37 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of S. Alta Vista reported their vehicle stolen. This investigation is continuing.

SEPTEMBER 22

Fraud

At 10:45 a.m., a victim in the 60 block of Parker reported that she received a phone call from a female subject claiming to be her bank representative. She was told her debit card had been compromised and she needed to turn it over to a female who would be arriving at her residence. A female arrived at the victim’s residence, the victim gave her the debit card. After seeing several suspicious transactions on her account she realized she had been scammed. This investigation is continuing.

Sex Offense – Suspect Arrested

At 5:11 p.m., a caller in a parking lot in the 500 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject was in the back seat of his vehicle masturbating. Officers arrived and made contact with him. The caller desired prosecution. He was arrested.

Find out if your home is in a flood zone

 

If you'd like to know if you are in an LA County designated Flood Zone, click here to access the county map. The blue shaded areas are flood zones. Notice Alta Vista is in the flood zone all the way to the freeway ... and beyond. 

- Brad Haugaard

Test of emergency alert system Sept. 29

A test of Monrovia's emergency alert system is scheduled for Sept. 29, this coming Tuesday. You may receive a test alert on your phone or other device as part of the city's annual check of its emergency notification systems. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Pasadena Humane Offers $50 Dog Adoptions Through Sept. 29

Pasadena Humane is offering $50 adoption fees for all available dogs through Sept. 29. Dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before going home. Adoption hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; available animals can also be viewed at pasadenahumane.org/adopt.

- Brad Haugaard

Game Night for Adults at Library Sept. 25

Adults can play board games, puzzles, Nintendo Switch 2 games and virtual-reality games at the Monrovia Public Library on Friday, Sept. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants may also bring games to share. Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Video Game Free Play at the Library, Sep. 24

Kids ages 6–11 can drop by the Library for Video Game Free Play on Thursday, Sep. 24, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., with big-screen video games and board games ready to play. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Pumpkin carving for veterans at Library, Oct. 13

Monrovia Public Library’s Veterans Resource Center will host a Veterans Pumpkin Carving Night Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Pumpkins and supplies will be provided. Call 256-8294 to register.

- Brad Haugaard

Statement of Monrovia Unified School Board candidate Abby Veltman

I've offered all Monrovia city and school district candidates who are running in contested elections the opportunity to make a statement. I'm publishing them in the order I receive them. This is the statement of Abby Veltman, running for the Board of Education. - Brad Haugaard

My name is Abby Veltman, and I’m running for the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education in Trustee Area 5 this November. I’m an educator and a parent of children currently attending Monrovia schools, and I believe both perspectives are needed on our School Board.

Today, there are no educators serving on the Board, and we need more representation from parents who are experiencing our schools alongside their children every day. As an educator, I know how important it is that the expertise of teachers and principals informs the decisions being made at the district level. As a parent, I also understand how those decisions are experienced by students and families.

That perspective shapes my priorities. I want us to focus relentlessly on student learning, use data to strengthen programs that are working, and give teachers and principals a meaningful role in decisions about curriculum and instruction. I also want to find creative ways to expand opportunities like art and music and strengthen the specialized programs that make families want to stay in Monrovia Unified.

We also have to confront declining enrollment with a real long-term plan. After more than a decade of enrollment decline, our district has faced increasingly difficult financial decisions, including the closure of Santa Fe and the movement of sixth grade to our elementary schools. We cannot continue moving from crisis to crisis. We need transparent, forward-looking enrollment and budget planning that protects classrooms and ensures structural reductions begin as far away from students as possible.

Finally, I believe our district should make much greater use of partnerships across Monrovia. I was a strong advocate for getting the Monrovia High School pool operating again for our student athletes and our broader community. That became possible through collaboration between the City and the school district. I want to bring that same spirit of partnership and creativity to finding resources and opportunities for our schools.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about my candidacy, background, or priorities. I would be happy to connect.

Thank you for your consideration and for your continued engagement in our community.

abbyformusdschoolboard.com
abbyformusdschoolboard@gmail.com

Statement of Monrovia Unified School Board candidate Maritza Travanti

I've offered all Monrovia city and school district candidates who are running in contested elections the opportunity to make a statement. I'm publishing them in the order I receive them. This is the first, Maritza Travanti, running for the Board of Education. - Brad Haugaard

Maritza Travanti, Monrovia Unified School Board, Trustee Area 5

For nearly eight years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Monrovia Unified School District Board, twice serving as Board President. I have brought proven leadership, sound judgment, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to putting students at the center of every decision.

Public education has faced extraordinary challenges during these years. I helped lead our district through the pandemic, declining enrollment, leadership transitions, fiscal stabilization, difficult organizational decisions, and implementation of Measure MM.

Effective governance requires experience, institutional knowledge, thoughtful decision-making, and the willingness to make difficult decisions.

Leadership also means bringing new ideas forward and turning them into action. Working collaboratively with district leadership, I helped establish counseling support at every elementary school, our beloved Grad Walk tradition, and the State of the Schools Address to increase transparency and community engagement.

While declining enrollment remains a challenge, we must also give families compelling reasons to choose Monrovia Unified by promoting our outstanding schools, innovative programs, academic achievements, arts and music, college and career pathways, and student success stories while supporting teachers and staff.

Fiscal responsibility is critical. We must plan for the future and ensure public resources provide students with an excellent education.

I bring 35 years of federal government leadership, culminating as IRS Chief of Operations, where I led large organizations, managed complex operations and budgets, implemented policy, and navigated organizational change. My experience directly aligns with my role as a school board member.

My commitment extends beyond the Board room through years of school volunteerism and community service, including leadership with the Monrovia Rotary Club.

As a parent of a recent MHS graduate, daughter of immigrants, and Spanish speaker, I have built relationships with families throughout our district and advocated for additional Special Education funding. I listen and work to ensure all voices are heard, including through periodic Coffee Ed Chats with parents, staff, and community members.

I remain committed to stable leadership, accountable governance, strong schools, and ensuring every student can thrive.

I respectfully ask for your vote to provide continued experienced and stable leadership for Monrovia Unified. For more information about Maritza www.maritzaformusd.com/

Shy Liz Taylor just needs a treat or two to come out of her shell

Liz Taylor may be a little shy at first, but once she knows you're her friend, she's ready for her close-up! This cutie at Pasadena Humane can be hesitant in new situations, but a few tasty treats and some encouragement help bring her out of her shell. Once she's comfortable, Liz Taylor will happily settle in beside you for pets and may even rest her head right in your lap.

Liz Taylor is learning that the world can be a pretty great place, especially when there are treats and kind people around. With a little patience and a lot of love, Ms. Taylor is ready to find her forever home and live happily ever after!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 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

A Moment in Monrovia History: The Sevier Family's Burro Train on Myrtle Avenue

In 1894, S.M. Sevier and his family gathered their burro train in front of the J.T. Milligan, C.H. Locke Dry Goods, and Henry Canoll & Co. Dry Goods stores at Myrtle and Colorado, packing supplies for their trip to the family's summer home at Deer Park in the mountains above Monrovia. From the Bushnell 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

Terray Therapeutics to Host Talk on AI-driven drug discovery

MADIA Tech Launch will host a talk and tour at Terray Therapeutics in Monrovia on Wednesday, Oct. 14, featuring CEO and co-founder Dr. Jacob Berlin on using artificial intelligence to develop medicines. Networking and dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. Details and registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

Job Fair at Monrovia Community Adult School Sept. 24

Monrovia Community Adult School will hold a job fair Thursday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 920 S. Mountain Ave. Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Unity Center's Bids to Meals Virtual Auction Now Open

Foothill Unity Center's Bids to Meals virtual auction is now live. The fundraiser, held during Hunger Action Month, features items donated by local businesses and organizations, including the Arthur Blair Inn, GO Kart World, Courtyard by Marriott, Arcadia Fire Department, and others. Auction here.

- Brad Haugaard

Old Town Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 10

Monrovia’s Old Town Fall Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Library Park and in Old Town, with wagon and train rides, face painting, crafts, pumpkin painting, photos and hourly library storytimes. Some activity fees may apply. Details here.

- Brad Haugaard