Monrovia Police: Exchanging Two $50 Bills for $200 | Fence Hopping Suspect Arrested | Unlocked Vehicle Thefts

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 30 - August 1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 513 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Theft From a Vehicle / Residential Burglary
July 30 at 1:34 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 800 block of Alta Vista.  The suspect(s) entered the victim's unlocked vehicle, which was parked in her driveway, and removed the garage door opener.  The suspect(s) then activated the remote to access the victim's garage door.  A vacuum and a storage bin with miscellaneous clothing were missing from the garage.  Investigation continuing.

Vandalism
July 30 at 4:23 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 1300 block of South Myrtle regarding the report of vandalism.  Unknown suspect(s) etched graffiti into the glass window of the business.  Investigation continuing.

Theft From Vehicles
July 30 at 7:20 a.m. and 1:32 p.m., two petty thefts from vehicles were reported in the same area: the 500 to 600 blocks of West Palm.  Both vehicles were either unlocked or had the window slightly open.  In both cases, women's purses that were left in the vehicles were taken.  The purses contained small amounts of US currency and debit/credit cards. One of the stolen purses was later reported as found property at Violet and Foothill.  Investigation continuing.

Warrant / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer - Suspect Arrested
July 30 at 8:15 p.m., officers responded to the report of an intoxicated subject in the 900 block of Genoa.  When the officer arrived in the area, the suspect fled on foot, running through yards.  The suspect was identified and it was learned he had a felony warrant for his arrest.  After a lengthy search with the suspect eluding officers by climbing fences and running yard-to-yard, the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was summoned and was able to locate the suspect hiding.  When he realized the helicopter had found him, the suspect tried to run again, but he was detained by officers and arrested without further incident.  The suspect was held for the warrant and resisting arrest.

Theft by Deception
August 1 at 6:06 p.m., a dark-colored Chevy Trailblazer parked in front of the office door of a car dealership in the 800 block of East Central.  A man exited the passenger door, the driver was never seen, and entered the cashier's office.  He asked the cashier if she could give him a $100 bill for two $50 dollar bills.  He handed her two $50 dollar bills and she gave him the $100.  It appears that he had secreted a $10 bill in his palm.  He quickly palmed the $100 bill and held up the $10 bill, shouting at the cashier that she only gave him ten dollars.  The cashier became nervous and took the $10 bill, while giving him another $100 bill.  The suspect then left in the waiting vehicle.  The suspect is described as a male Black, approximately 40 year old, 6'1", 200 pounds, black hair, wearing a blue hat, blue jersey with the number 23 on it, and blue shorts.  The investigation is continuing.

Assault - Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 10:36 p.m., an assault was reported in the 900 block of West Colorado.  The male victim's female friend was intoxicated and angry.  She hit him several times with a metal skillet.  He suffered lacerations, a broken finger, and pain on his head.  She was arrested without incident.


Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Home Invasion Robbery
On July 15, 2012, a home invasion robbery occurred in the City of Monrovia.  Police are seeking help from the public in identifying the suspect.  A composite sketch of the possible suspect is available on the Police Department website Wanted Flyers section at http://www.ci.monrovia.ca.us/crime-info/police-wanted-flyers.