Arcadia Police Department Weekly Activity Report Sunday, Dec. 18-24:

Calls for Service: 857 / Formal Investigations: 123
Total Year-to-Date:
* Calls for 2011: 47,509 (Previous year totals — 2010: 48,318 / 2009: 50,371 / 2008: 49,699)

Investigations: 6,254 (Previous year totals — 2010: 6,895 / 2009: 7,092 / 2008: 6,705)

The following is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, December 18:

1. At about 4:38 p.m., an officer responded to H&M at the Westfield Santa Anita mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, in reference to a theft investigation. A loss prevention officer observed three female suspects select numerous articles of clothing and conceal them in bags. The suspects were detained after they exited the store without making payment. The 21-year-old Black female, 20-year-old Black female, and 17-year-old Black female were transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. The juvenile was later released to a guardian.

2. At approximately 8:19 p.m., an officer responded to Baldwin Avenue at Camino Real Avenue, in regards to a rear-end traffic collision. A vehicle had stopped for a red light, however the driver behind was unable to stop in time. The officer determined the latter was speeding, and no major injuries were reported.

Monday, December 19:

3. Shortly after 3:25 p.m., an officer responded to the Arcadia Police Department front counter, in regards to an identity theft report. The victim explained she received two credit card statements in the mail for accounts she never opened. Unknown suspect(s) made numerous charges, and the victim had no idea who opened the accounts or how they obtained her personal information.
4. Around 9:30 p.m., a victim was walking home from Au79 Tea House, 815 West Naomi Avenue, when he was robbed by an unknown male suspect. As the victim walked eastbound on Camino Real Avenue toward Melanie Lane, a male adult approached him and forced him to the ground. The suspect searched his person and fled with his wallet, two cell phones, and keys. The victim described the suspect as a Black male, 20 to 25-years-old, approximately six-feet tall, stocky build, bald head, wearing a black jacket, red t-shirt, dark pants, and dark shoes, and observed him get into the passenger seat of an awaiting vehicle that drove off westbound on Camino Real Avenue. The vehicle is described as a late 1990’s black four-door Toyota or Honda with tinted window. Officers made contact with nearby residents; however no one saw or heard anything suspicious.

Tuesday, December 20:

5. At about 7:29 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Rancho Road, in reference to a residential burglary report. Unknown suspect(s) forced entry by smashing out the window of a balcony door, which led into the master bedroom. The victim returned home and observed numerous drawers ransacked, and discovered cash, watches, and several items of jewelry missing. The suspect(s) fled the scene without activating the alarm.

6. At approximately 9:37 p.m., officers responded to the parking lot of President Square, 1300 South Golden West Avenue, in regards to a stabbing that had just occurred. Through investigation, officers discovered that a group of persons were involved in a verbal altercation, after which a male adult suspect stabbed a male victim in the chest. Officers were directed by witnesses to the suspects’ location and detained two suspects inside Money Pot, a restaurant located within President Square. The Arcadia Fire Department paramedics arrived at the scene and rendered aid to the victim. He was transported to the Huntington Memorial Hospital in the City of Pasadena, where he later died as a result of injuries. A 31-year-old Hispanic male and 26-year-old Hispanic male were arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. Further investigation is being conducted by the Detective Bureau.

Wednesday, December 21:

7. Shortly after 3:15 p.m., an officer responded to JC Penney at the Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, in regards to a theft report. While shopping with her two children, a female adult concealed numerous items of baby clothes and other merchandise inside the undercarriage of her baby stroller. The suspect directed her daughter to exit the store with the baby stroller while she made payment for only one item. The 34-year-old Hispanic female was arrested and her children were released to her boyfriend.

8. At about 9:16 p.m., a female victim was walking toward her car after shopping at the Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, when an unknown suspect, described as a male Hispanic, approximately 5’8” tall, medium build, medium complexion, wearing a black hooded sweater, approached her while she was placing her bags inside the car trunk. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse and ran through the parking lot to a waiting vehicle. The victim observed the vehicle, described as a mid to late 1990’s Acura or Integra with rear tinted windows, flee the parking lot out of sight.

Thursday, December 22:

9. Around 1:45 a.m., officers were conducting a DUI checkpoint at 41 East Live Oak Avenue. Upon contact with a male adult driver, officers noticed an odor of alcohol emitting from his breath and person. Through investigation, officers determined the driver was under the influence and had a blood alcohol level greater than .05%. A bottle of alcohol and small container of marijuana were also found inside the vehicle. The 19-year-old male of unknown race was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail without incident.

10. Shortly after 11:00 a.m., an officer responded to Royal Construction, 11680 Goldring Road, regarding a fraud report. Unknown suspect(s) fraudulently manufactured checks using the company’s account information and attempted to cash three checks. The company was flagged by bank representatives and has no idea how their information was compromised.

Friday, December 23:

11. At approximately 1:02 p.m., an officer responded to the Arcadia Police Department front counter in regards to a theft report. The victim explained he never received a package that he was expecting from Amazon, however the UPS shipping status of his order and receipt state that it was received by an unknown subject. The victim does not know the subject and is desirous of prosecution.

12. At about 8:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Santa Anita Mall parking lot, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, in reference to a traffic collision. As an 8-passenger golf cart came to a stop along the sidewalk to pick up another passenger, it was rear-ended by a 15-passenger van. The driver and front passenger of the golf cart were ejected from their seats. The golf cart was not equipped with seat belts and only minor injuries were reported.

Saturday, December 24:

13. Between 9:00 a.m. and 9:50 a.m., unknown suspect(s) stole a white 2008 Suzuki motorcycle parked in the front of Ralphs, 1101 West Huntington Drive. The victim returned to his vehicle after shopping and discovered it was missing. No one saw or heard anything.

14. Shortly after 4:38 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and the eastbound 210 freeway off ramp, in regards to a two-party traffic collision. As one party attempted to make a left turn off the ramp onto northbound Baldwin Avenue, he was struck by a vehicle proceeding southbound through the intersection on a yellow light. No major injuries were reported.

.

Click image above for video of ride-along demo of new automated license plate reader system.

Click two images below for two-part video of Police volunteers, including ride-alongs.

Click image above for video tour of police station.

Click image above for video of dedication to Arcadia’s only officer who died in the line of duty.

An 18-year-old man was stabbed to death and found in the food court after business hours at the 99 Ranch Market Tuesday evening, Dec. 20.

Two older young men from San Gabriel have been booked and charged with murder.

Arcadia Police Officers were called shortly after 9:30 p.m. to the food court area of the strip mall in the 1300 block of South Golden West Avenue. Officers found the man suffering from a stab wound to the upper torso. Arcadia Fire Department Paramedics treated the victim at the scene and transported him to Huntington Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to the injury. In respect for the family and pending all notifications, the name of the victim is not being released at this time, according to a statement today from police.

Preliminary investigation found the victim had been parked to the rear of the location, waiting for an acquaintance working at the food court. Two males, who work at a different restaurant inside the food court, walked out the rear of the location and at some point became involved in a verbal altercation with the victim and another male. The argument ceased when one of the two males from inside pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim. The victim ran toward the food court and collapsed inside. The two suspects made their way back into the closed restaurant, away from the victim’s friends. Officers arrived on scene shortly thereafter, detained all parties, and rendered aid to the victim.

Witnesses identified the two male suspects involved and they were ultimately arrested at the scene. A knife, believed to be the weapon used, was found inside The Money Pot Restaurant, where the suspects are employed. The restaurant and food court were closed at the time of the incident.

Arrested and booked on murder charges at the Arcadia City Jail were Juan Lorenzo, age 31, and Jose Antonio Cruz Ramirez, age 26, both from San Gabriel. Their bail is set at $1,000,000.00.

The investigation is continuing by Arcadia Police Department Detectives. Anyone with information is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5150. You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477).

– By Scott Hettrick

The Los Angeles County Sheriff‘s Department is seeking help from the public in identifying the suspect in a Monday night murder (Dec. 12) of a father of three young children just outside the Arcadia city limits south of Live Oak Avenue east of Santa Anita Avenue.

Victim Jose Parra was shot and killed inside his residence in the unincorporated area of Arcadia at approximately 8 p.m.

The suspect is described as a 30-35 year-old male Hispanic, light complexion, 5’7”, 150 lbs., thin build, black hair, brown eyes, wearing dark clothing, a black hoodie sweatshirt and a bandaid under his eye. See sketch at right.

Shortly after 8 p.m. Monday, the family was returning to their home on the 11000 block of Kristi Court when they were surprised by an armed light-skinned Hispanic man who had apparently been lying in wait.

As the family entered the garage of the residence, the man approached the family, pointed a hand gun at them and demanded money. Fearing for their safety, the victims gave the gunman the only money they had in their possession, their rent money.

Determined they had more money inside the house, the gunman demanded entry and ordered the family into their residence.
Once inside the residence, the gunman directed the mother and her two sons, ages three and five, as well as their six-year-old daughter into a bedroom. The victims were instructed to shut the door and not to exit the room.

The gunman then gave the father more commands for cash and, shortly thereafter, several gunshots were heard by the family. They exited the room and found the male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect left the residence prior to the family finding the victim.

Homicide investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau as soon as possible. Call Detective B. Schoonmaker or Detective T. O’Quinn at the Homicide Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 323-890-5500.

Case file number is: 011-14781-0585-011.

You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-tips (8477) or www.lacrimestoppers.org or text “TIPLA” plus your tip to 274637 or CRIMES.

– By Scott Hettrick

The Arcadia Fire Department responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of Sunday, Nov. 27 – Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. The following is a breakdown of incident types for this time period:

Incident / Type/ Count
Fire:                                      18
EMS/Rescue:                     82
Hazardous Condition:  151
Good Intent Call:             28
Service Call:                      14
False Alarm:                     26
Severe Weather:              12

Total Incident Count:  331

Wind storm-related calls Wednesday, Nov. 30 – Saturday, Dec. 3:
The total number of recorded and unrecorded responses to incidents or investigations during this and the three days following exceeded 300, ranging in type from fire, medical, hazardous conditions, and false alarms to general service calls.

The estimated fire damage is $20,000, resulting from the following:
• 4 structure fires caused by downed electrical wires
• 6 vegetation fires caused by downed electrical lines
• 4 “other” type fires which include rubbish, cooking, chimney and outside electrical equipment
Additional responses included:
• 4 natural gas leaks
• Approximately 200 electrical power line investigations
• Approximately 30 investigations of hazardous conditions, including trees into a structure or vehicle, water problems, vehicle accidents, and other type hazards.
• 69 medical assists
During the course of the event, Fire Department personnel supplemented the Public Works Department in investigating and/or clearing approximately 45 locations for emergency vehicle access on City streets. All apparatus are equipped with chain saws and, whenever necessary, fire personnel removed downed tree limbs that impeded emergency vehicle access.

Additionally, the fire personnel set barricades at 36 locations and established stop signs at various intersections. An additional 24 locations were investigated by fire personnel at the request of the Public Works Department to provide updated damage assessment.

One injury occurred to a Fire Department member during the course of tree removal operations. A significant laceration to the thigh of a firefighter was sustained during use of a chain saw. The injury was evaluated and treated by emergency room personnel at Arcadia Methodist Hospital. A full recovery is anticipated.

Sunday, November 27

* At 10:29 a.m., Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 400 block of East Diamond Street. Fire crews evaluated an elderly female patient complaining of head pain from a trip and fall. The patient was treated on scene with Basic Life Support measures and transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Monday, Nov. 28
* At 12:13 p.m., Engine 106, Engine 107, Truck 105, Rescue Ambulance 106, Battalion 105, with units from Monrovia Fire, responded to an appliance fire in the 100 block of West Magna Vista Avenue. Fire crews investigated a small kitchen fire out on arrival with light smoke inside of the structure. Truck 105 provided horizontal ventilation to clear the smoke from the structure while Engine 106 personnel utilized a Thermal Imaging Camera to check for any fire extension. Paramedics were requested to evaluate an occupant who was experiencing shortness of breath. The patient received Advanced Life Support measures on scene including oxygen therapy, intravenous access and a breathing treatment. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Tuesday, Nov. 29
At 1:12 p.m., Engine 106 responded to a reported sheared hydrant at the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and Palm Drive. Upon arrival, fire personnel found a single vehicle accident that had sheared a hydrant. The fire crew assisted Arcadia Water Department with shutting off the water and assessed the driver for injuries. The driver denied any complaints and denied the request for Paramedics to treat him.

Fire Prevention Bureau

Plan Checks
3 Commercial Building Plan Checks
3 Fire Sprinkler Plan Checks
1 Hood & Duct Plan Check
2 Solar Panel Plan Checks

Construction Inspections

2 Fire Sprinkler Inspections

Other Inspections
77 Annual Life & Fire Safety Re-inspection
11 Permit Inspections
5 Business License Inspections
2 Complaint Investigations
2 5 -Year Sprinkler Certification Inspections

Training
During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department conducted a total of 559 hours of training. Some of the subjects covered were: Hose Evolutions, Ladder Evolutions, Ventilation Techniques, Salvage and Overhaul Techniques, Tiller Certification, Defensive Driving, Engine Company Equipment, Search and Rescue, Communications, EOC Operations, Records Management, Fire Suppression Tactics, Power Tools, Hand Tools, Truck Operations, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic Continuing Education, Hazardous Materials, Lighting Operations, Rope Rescue, Incident Command, Pre-Incident Planning, Supervision and Management, and Standard Operating Guideline Review.

Volunteer Weekly Activity Report
During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department had a total of 17 hours of volunteer activities. Specifically, volunteers from the community donated their valuable time last week in assisting the Department with administrative duties in the Fire Prevention Bureau and processing emergency medical services forms and paramedic reports. It is worth noting that all volunteers and Department personnel who have access to emergency medical services forms and paramedic reports are trained on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.

Arcadia Police Department Weekly Activity Report Sunday, Nov. 27 – Saturday, Dec. 3:

Calls for Service: 888 / Formal Investigations: 130
Total Year-to-Date:
* Calls for 2011: 44,815 (Previous year totals — 2010: 48,318 / 2009: 50,371 / 2008: 49,699)

Investigations: 5,903 (Previous year totals — 2010: 6,895 / 2009: 7,092 / 2008: 6,705)

The following is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Wind storm related calls:

* At about 5:56 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, an officer responded to Santa Anita Avenue and Longden Avenue in reference to a traffic accident. The officer learned that a tree branch fell off a tree in the median and fell on the victim’s car as she drove by. The tree branch caused the left rear passenger door and roof area to collapse. The victim was not injured in the incident.
* Shortly after 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, an officer was dispatched to Monte Verde Drive at Michillinda Avenue in regards to a male adult suspect taking an Arcadia street sign, which had fallen down due to the windstorm. A witness observed the suspect place the sign in the back of a black full size pickup truck and recorded the license plate number. An area check for the suspect vehicle met with negative results.
* Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, unknown suspects burglarized Shree’s Drive Thru Dairy, 1437 South Baldwin Avenue. The store owner noticed a hole in the wall and discovered that numerous items were missing from the store. The building was left unsecured due to a power outage. 

Other non-storm-related calls:

Sunday, Nov. 27:

1. At about 10:15 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on Santa Anita Avenue at Live Oak Avenue on a vehicle with an expired year registration sticker. Through investigation, the officer determined the driver was never issued a license and had two misdemeanor warrants. The 47-year-old Hispanic female was arrested and transported the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

2. At approximately 7:10 p.m., an officer responded to J.C. Penney at the Westfield Santa Anita mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, in reference to a male adult in custody for Petty Theft. After removing the sales tags from a sweater, jacket, and shorts, the suspect put them on and left the store without making payment. The 20-year-old Hispanic male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail without incident.

Monday, Nov. 28:

3. Around 12:53 a.m., an officer was patrolling the residential area of Golden West Avenue and Victoria Drive when he noticed a Chevrolet parked in front of a residence with multiple subjects waiting inside. The officer observed a male adult suspect exit from the backyard and noticed he was concealing something underneath his clothing. After the suspect saw the officer, he ran to get inside the front passenger seat, and a pursuit ensued northbound on Golden West Avenue. The suspect vehicle ran a stop sign at Hart Avenue and Steele Avenue in the City of Temple City and collided with another vehicle. A records check revealed an outstanding felony warrant for the 23-year-old Hispanic male front passenger and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for the 26-year-old Hispanic female driver. These two suspects and the 42-year-old Hispanic rear passenger were arrested for Residential Burglary. The driver was also charged with Evading a Police Officer.

4. A short time after 4:40 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of West Foothill Boulevard, in reference to a residential burglary report. The victim returned home and noticed his master bathroom window had been shattered. Unknown suspects ransacked the master bedroom, removed numerous items including a safe, and fled undetected. The victim recently remodeled his house and believes a construction worker burglarized his home.

Tuesday, Nov. 29:

5. At approximately 10:35 a.m., an officer responded to All Pro Supply, 157 North Santa Anita Avenue, in reference to a possible vandalism report. The store owner noticed two rear windows of the building were broken. Through investigation, the officer determined unknown suspects attempted to force entry until they encountered wood paneling and dry wall behind the windows.

6. Shortly after 8 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Wen Floral, 30 Las Tunas Drive, in regards to a vehicle burglary. The victim parked directly in front of the store and locked her vehicle before going inside. Upon returning, the victim discovered her passenger side window was smashed and her purse was missing. The suspect, caught on video surveillance, was seen driving a dark colored quad-cab truck. He is described as a Hispanic male, 30 to 35-years-old, 5’6”, medium build, short dark hair, dark mustache, wearing a white t-shirt, dark pants, and white shoes.

Wednesday, Nov. 30:

7. At about 9:21 a.m., a two-party traffic collision occurred in the area of Las Tunas Drive and South Baldwin Avenue. The victim was rear-ended as she slowed down for oncoming traffic. Through investigation, the officer determined the other party struck the car at about 30 miles per hour as a result of taking her eyes off the road to reach for her purse. No major injuries were reported.

8. Around 5:13 p.m., an officer responded to the US Post Office, 41 Wheeler Avenue, in regards to an attempted theft report. Shortly after delivering two packages to the front porch of a residence in the 800 block of Fairview Avenue, the post office carrier observed a female adult remove the packages from the porch. As the suspect walked away from the residence, the post office carrier confronted her and took the packages from her hands. The suspect, described as White, approximately 30-years-old, 5’8”, 180 lbs., with blond hair, was observed entering a maroon Buick driven by a White male adult. The mail carrier recorded the license plate as it fled eastbound on Fairview Avenue.

Friday, Dec. 2:

9. At about 11:17 a.m., an officer responded to Westfield Santa Anita mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, in regards to a juvenile drinking alcohol in the parking lot. A Westfield Security Officer observed the juvenile drinking a can of beer while sitting in his car. Through investigation, the APD officer learned the 16-year-old Hispanic male was also in possession of a bottle of Vodka. He was cited and released to his father.

Saturday, Dec. 3:

10. Around 4:48 p.m., an officer responded to Nordstrom at Westfield Santa Anita mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, in regards to a grand theft report. While watching live video surveillance, a loss prevention officer observed a Black male adult enter a fitting room with a suit and other clothing items, and exit carrying only a Nordstrom shopping bag. The loss prevention officer proceeded to check the fitting room and located all of the merchandise except for the suit. An investigation revealed the suspect concealed the suit inside the Nordstrom shopping bag and left the store without making payment. The suspect’s vehicle was recorded on video and further investigation is being conducted by the Detective Bureau.

11. At approximately 3:17 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle driving eastbound on westbound Huntington Drive at Baldwin Avenue, and conducted an enforcement stop for driving on the wrong side of the road. Through investigation, the officer determined the 36-year-old White male was driving under the influence and was never issued a license. He was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

.

Click image above for video of ride-along demo of new automated license plate reader system.

Click two images below for two-part video of Police volunteers, including ride-alongs.

Click image above for video tour of police station.

Click image above for video of dedication to Arcadia’s only officer who died in the line of duty.