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Monrovia Police: Portable Toilet Catches Fire; Wrong-Way DUI Arrest; Man Arrested for Slapping Woman’s Hand; Tailgate Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 21 – 26. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 408 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Delaying Officers – Suspect Arrested
November 21 at 12:14 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Fifth and Huntington saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was contacted. The driver refused to sign the citation for the traffic violation. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Arson
November 21 at 12:35 a.m., a fire was reported in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and determined a portable toilet was engulfed in flames. MFD responded and extinguished the fire. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-injury Traffic Collision
November 21 at 5:41 a.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of S. Mayflower regarding a traffic collision. No injuries were reported. 

Shoplifting
November 21 at 4:29 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported in the 300 block of W. Huntington. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 2:39 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Evergreen and Myrtle saw a vehicle traveling the wrong way on a one-way street. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Warrant / Drug Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 3:47 a.m., while patrolling the area of Shamrock and Huntington, an officer saw a subject loitering behind a closed business. A records check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Commercial Burglary
November 22 at 4:11 a.m., a caller in the 500 block of S. Myrtle reported seeing several individuals breaking into his business. Officers arrived as three male subjects were exiting the business. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
November 22 at 9:46 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Hurstview called to report that his son was behaving aggressively. Officers arrived and determined he was a danger to others. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 10:53 p.m., a caller in the 500 block of Royal Oaks reported that a family member had arrived at the residence in violation of a court order. Officers responded to the scene and made contact with the individual. It was determined that while the restraining order had not yet been served, the subject had an outstanding warrant for domestic violence out of Monrovia. The suspect was arrested. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 22 at 11:36 p.m., a security company monitoring a parking garage in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported a suspicious subject looking into parked vehicles. Officers arrived and located the subject, who admitted to being in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested, cited, and released at the scene. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 2:26 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Live Oak saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was contacted. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Vehicle Burglary
November 23 at 10:13 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Duarte called to report that her vehicle had been broken into and ransacked. The victim was unable to determine what was stolen at the time. This investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
November 23 at 10:25 a.m., a victim in the 1300 block of Los Robles called to report that his vehicle had been broken into and ransacked. Property was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempted Grand Theft Auto
November 23 at 12:10 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Duarte called to report that her vehicle had been broken into. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 8:20 a.m., a passerby in the 400 block of S. Ivy reported a subject asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle in an alley. Officers arrived and made contact with the occupant. A computer search revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. A further investigation revealed he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 11:37 a.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Olive reported a possible family fight in progress. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. It was determined no crime had occurred. A computer search of the subject revealed one of the subjects had a warrant for their arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery – Suspects Arrested
November 24 at 4:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Los Angeles for a fight in progress. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation revealed an argument had turned physical. A citizen’s arrest was requested. Two subjects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
November 25 at 6:23 a.m., a victim in the 500 block of Violet reported that his vehicle’s tailgate had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 9:10 a.m., employees from a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a male subject yelling at employees. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject involved. A computer check revealed he had warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 9:40 a.m., a victim in the area of Huntington and Shamrock reported that a male subject approached her and slapped her hand. Officers arrived and located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Bicycle Theft
November 25 at 9:46 a.m., a bike was reported stolen in the 800 block of W. Duarte. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
November 25 at 1:45 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported her money and debit cards were stolen on November 20 while shopping. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 5:06 p.m., a loss prevention officer from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject stole merchandise and fled. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away, but the stolen property was not located. A search revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Attempted Grand Theft Auto
November 26 at 10:45 a.m., a victim in the area of Bob and Peck reported his vehicle had been broken into overnight. This investigation is continuing. 

Breakfast at Café de Ola


Breakfast at Café de Ola, on the west side of Myrtle, just north of Lemon. Got the Chorizo Burrito for $12.95 and an orange juice for $6.25  Delicious!

- Brad Haugaard

Active and Playful Buddy - Nothing Better Than Playing Fetch


Buddy is a 5-year-old, 50-pound Labrador Retriever mix with an energetic and affectionate spirit that’s sure to brighten your days. This playful guy is happiest when chasing his favorite tennis balls in a spirited game of fetch, and he’ll eagerly bring them back for more fun. If you have an active lifestyle and love outdoor adventures, Buddy is ready to be your perfect companion.

Buddy isn’t just about playtime—he’s a loyal, loving dog who thrives on human connection. Whether it’s showering you with kisses or greeting you with a wagging tail when you come home, his enthusiasm for life is contagious. He’s wonderfully mannered, demonstrating incredible self-control even when tempting treats are within reach. Plus, he’s a calm and quiet presence who rarely barks.

Buddy’s easygoing personality and love for people make him an ideal addition to any family. If you’re looking for a fun-loving, loyal friend who will bring joy, laughter, and boundless energy into your home, Buddy is the one for you.

Buddy and all other pets over five years old have their adoption fees waived throughout November in celebration of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month!

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

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: At Home in the 1890s

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Combs and sons, in the 1890s. From the Steve Baker 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

Adult Craft Night at Library Dec. 3


Winter Adult Craft Night: Create custom holiday cards on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library. Materials provided. For ages 16 and up. Register here ; limited to 10 participants.

- Brad Haugaard 

Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids, Wednesday


Thanksgiving crafts for children to age 11 at the library this Wednesday, Nov. 27, from noon to 2 p.m. for details call 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard 

Rice Krispie Decorating for Kids, Today


Holiday Treat Decorating: Children to age 11 decorate Rice Krispie treats from noon to 2 p.m. today, Nov. 25, at the library. Call 256-8275 for details. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Dirty Water in Part of North Monrovia


Residents between Foothill Blvd and Greystone, and Madeline Drive and Norumbega, may experience discolored water due to recent maintenance. Public Works recommends running indoor plumbing fixtures for up to 10 minutes to clear the water. If discoloration persists, contact Public Works at 932-5575.

- Brad Haugaard

City Honors Retiring Police Chief Sanvictores, and Welcomes New Police Chief Heath Harvey

Ceremony honoring Monrovia Police Chief Alan Sanvictores for his retirement from the Monrovia Police Department after nearly 30 years of service. And, recognition of Police Captain Heath Harvey, who is becoming the city's next Chief of Police. Harvey has served the city for 27 years.

- Brad Haugaard

Public Input Sought for Wildfire Protection Plan


The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments wants input on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Share your experiences via a 15-minute survey at SGVCOG Wildfire Survey. Your feedback will help shape regional wildfire policies. One response per household.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Singers at DoubleTree Dec. 12


Champagne lunch and live concert by Citrus Singers Dec. 12 at 11:30 a.m., DoubleTree Hotel. Tickets $60. RSVP to Tracie French (tfrench@bowdendevelopment.com) or Gina Fanara (ginafanara@cibare.com).

- Brad Haugaard

Centre Stage's Holiday Musical on Dec. 8


Monrovia's Centre Stage will present the holiday musical “Spirit in the Spotlight” Dec. 8 at 10:30 a.m., IFGF Church, 147 W. Palm Ave. Free food and photos with Santa included.

- Brad Haugaard

DIY Garden Gifts Workshop Dec. 7


Create holiday gifts Dec. 7, 9–10:30 a.m., at the Community Garden, corner of Magnolia and Colorado. Free event, no RSVP required.

- Brad Haugaard

Two Monrovia New Year's Eve Celebrations


There will be two New Year's celebrations in Monrovia, the early-to-bed Noon Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. at Library Park, featuring crafts, music, and more; and New Year’s Eve Night, 10 p.m. in Old Town. DJ, dancing, and ball drop at midnight.

- Brad Haugaard

Holiday Home Decorating Contest Applications Due Dec. 5


Applications for Holiday Home Decorating Contest need to be turned in at the Community Center (119 W Palm Ave) by Dec. 9, 5 p.m. Decorations judged Dec. 12. Winners announced Dec. 17 at the City Council meeting. Applications here.

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas and New Year Event Schedule


Here are the upcoming Christmas and New Year's events:

  • Shop Small Business (Old Town) Saturday: Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.
  • Holiday Parade along Myrtle: Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
  • Santa Tours (throughout Monrovia; schedule here): Dec. 9–13 at 5 p.m.
  • Holiday Carolers (Old Town): Saturdays in December, 3–6 p.m.
  • Carriage Rides (Old Town): Sundays in December, 3–6 p.m.
  • Noon Year's Eve (Library Park): Dec. 31 at 10 a.m.
  • New Year's Eve on Myrtle Ave: Dec. 31 at 10 p.m.
Events may change due to weather.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Soccer Pro Kate Wiesner Playing in Saturday Championship


Three Monrovia natives - Ashley Sanchez, Katie Johnson, and Kate Wiesner - play in the National Women’s Soccer League. Kate will compete with the Washington Spirit in Saturday’s championship. Watch at 4:55 p.m. on various platforms.

- Brad Haugaard

Winter Monrovia Today Magazine Now Online


Information on winter events, classes, and activities now available in the winter edition of Monrovia Today. View it online here or watch for it in the mail.

- Brad Haugaard

Regular Utility Billing Resumes In December

Starting December, Monrovia will reinstate utility late fees and shutoffs, which were deferred after March’s data loss. Pay promptly to avoid disruptions. For info or payment plans, visit Utility Billing or call 932-5517.

Small Business Saturday Saturday, Nov. 30

Small Business Saturday is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30. It is designed to keep tax dollars in the community and help local businesses thrive.

- Brad Haugaard