Memorial Day 2010

To those that are serving and those that have served, we wish you the best on this Memorial Day 2010. To the men and women who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, we salute you! Take the time to say "Thanks" to our vets and current members of our military, not just today, but everyday.

Remember to proudly display your American Flag at half-staff today, from sunrise to noon in honor of our service personnel who have given their lives for our Country.

Activity Highlights for May 16-22, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-16.pdf

Weekly Tip - Mature Drivers

When collisions or other traffic incidents occur involving a "mature driver", questions are often raised that ask whether or not the person should still be driving. Family members or friends sometimes take this a step further and ask what they can do to help or even how can they take the license away. There is no easy answer.

Officers in the field have the ability to require a driver to participate in a "reexamination" with the DMV. If an Officer observes that the driver lacks ability, is physically incapable or is displaying signs that their driving is unsafe, the Officer can refer any driver, not just an older driver, to DMV. However, family members, a friend or neighbor can also contact DMV with their concerns. You may write a letter to DMV describing why you believe that a driver is no longer capable of driving safely. This action could initiate a reevaluation as well. Under certain medical conditions, a physician is also required to submit information to DMV.

The best step for anyone with a concern about a friend or loved one's driving is to become involved. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has information on the topic and links to pamphlets that can be downloaded. Another great resource is AARP. The AARP website has a page dedicated to driver safety which includes a link to warning signs, information on classes, a driver safety IQ test, and other information applicable to the topic. The Automobile Club (AAA) has launched a website called AAA Seniors that is also loaded with tips and resources for mature drivers.

Take a look at these references. Gather information and knowledge on the topic and get involved. Deciding when not to drive is a tough choice and hard to breach with a loved one. Reasons for driving such as independence or even the simple desire to continue driving, need to be weighed against the probability of the driver injuring themselves or even worse, someone else.

Two Unrelated Robberies Over Weekend

An armed robbery occurred late Friday night, May 21, 2010, at about 11:15 pm, in the 600 block of Fairview Avenue. The victim was sitting in his parked vehicle and was approached by a male suspect asking the victim to use his cell phone. As the victim rolled down his car window, the suspect displayed a handgun and demanded that the victim turn over his phone and property. The victim complied and the suspect fled to an awaiting vehicle which drove northbound Baldwin Avenue out of sight.

The suspect was described as a male, white or Hispanic, 6'-00", muscular build, wearing a light blue button-down shirt with a white long sleeve shirt underneath. The suspect vehicle was a 4-door, dark green Honda Civic.

Early Saturday morning, May 22, 2010, at about 2:55 am, a "DJ" was loading equipment into his vehicle after working at a party in the 500 block of West Leroy. The victim "DJ" was accosted by 4-5 male suspects and was struck about the head and body, knocking him into the ground. The suspects stole the stereo equipment and made off in an unknown vehicle. The suspects were only described as male Asians. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Click It or Ticket

The Click It or Ticket campaign for 2010 kicks off today and runs through Sunday, June 6th. This a National mobilization where Law Enforcement conducts targeted enforcement of seat belt and restraint laws.

California State Law requires that everyone use a restraint device while travelling in a vehicle. Drivers and passengers may be cited for this violation. And don't forget the little ones! Child passenger restraints, seat or booster, must be used for young children until they reach 6 years of age AND 60 pounds. The seat or booster must be placed in the back seat of the vehicle.

The threat of a citation should not be your motivation to use your seat belt! Seat belts save lives - Buckle-Up!

Southend 7-Eleven Robbed

Early this morning, the 7-Eleven store at Live Oak and Tyler was robbed at gunpoint. The crime occurred at about 2:13 am. The store clerk was alone inside when the lone suspect entered the store displaying a handgun tucked in his waistband. The clerk handed over the money and the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was dressed in dark clothing, a hooded sweatshirt, wearing gloves and possibly a bandana covering his face. He was described only as a male, about 5'08" tall with a thin build. The suspect description and crime are similar to a robbery that occurred on May 10, 2010, at the 7-Eleven store in West Arcadia. It is possible that the two robberies are related and surveillance video is being reviewed.

Weekly Tip - Card Skimming

Card skimming involves the unauthorized copying of electronic data from your debit card or credit card. Thieves will use hidden equipment, such as pin-hole cameras and card reading devices to obtain your PIN and card data. The stolen data is then encoded onto a counterfeit card, which is used to withdraw funds or make purchases without your knowledge.

This type of crime can occur anywhere, but most commonly occurs at gas stations, ATM machines, or restaurants. Gas pump and ATM machines can be tampered with and thieves will place devices that resemble the actual equipment on the machine in order to read your card as it is used. Restaurants are used by suspects who carry handheld skimming devices to trap credit and debit card magnetic information. The suspect may be the server of your table. Some restaurants have actually gone to use of portable card readers so that the transaction can be performed at your table, directly in front of you. This type of device helps to secure the transaction for your protection.

There are many resources on the web that give you information on this type of theft and fraud. Read the Wikipedia entry on the topic and it will give you some insight and topics to query. Here is another link to a helpful website, "Bustathief", where they actually have photos of modified ATM machines and what to look for to prevent your information from being taken.

Some quick prevention tips:

• Keep your cards in sight. If the sales clerk moves to a different register, accompany them. This may be difficult at a restaurant but you may consider asking to pay at the register.
• Pay attention to the number of times your card is swiped and make sure that any transaction that is not the actual sale is voided.
• Use the credit option as opposed to entering your PIN.
• Check the machine for any loose or unusual "reader" or equipment. Immediately report any tampered machine or out of order machine to the bank or business.
• Do not accept "assistance" from a good Samaritan at an ATM. If the machine does not properly work, move on!
• Use ATM machines inside the bank or business, visible and open to the public.
• Check your bank records and statements often. Look for unusual or unauthorized activity.
• Report any lost or stolen cards immediately.
• If you see anything or anyone suspicious near an ATM machine, call the local police!

Activity Highlights for May 9-15, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-9.pdf

Activity Highlights for May 2-8, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-2.pdf

Weekly Tip - Crosswalks & Pedestrians

A common complaint that comes into the Traffic Bureau is that drivers are failing to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrian actions as well as drivers actions are governed by the Vehicle Code. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections even when there is no marked crosswalk. Use caution when approaching a crosswalk and if you have time to safely stop, yield to the pedestrian waiting to cross. Remember, if the pedestrian has made eye contact with you, they are probably ready to cross. If the roadway is divided, allow the pedestrian to walk past the center line or median before pulling through. If it is an undivided roadway, allow the pedestrian to walk well past the half way point in the road. Always check the curbs and look to see if someone is "darting" off the curb or entering the crosswalk late. Drivers and pedestrians both need to exercise caution and courtesy. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Approach with caution and make sure the roadway and crosswalk have cleared.

Turning traffic at intersections is also dangerous for pedestrians. Even though you may have a green as a driver, you must still yield to pedestrians. Drivers making right turns must look and allow the pedestrian to step off on the green. Drivers making left turns across the intersection must make sure that not only is oncoming traffic clear, but that there are not pedestrians in the crosswalk in the path of their turn. Again, use courtesy and common sense. If the ped is well across the intersection or past the median point, you may complete your turn. If the ped is approaching you or on your side of the roadway, YIELD to them!

The DMV has a page dedicated to right of way rules regarding pedestrians, crosswalks, and other situations. Take a look for additional information.

Pedestrians outside of a crosswalk or unmarked intersection are also held responsible by the Vehicle Code. The pedestrian may only cross the road when safe to do so and must yield to traffic. The pedestrian may not cross between two signalized intersections. This is what is known as "jaywalking".

The Woman's Club of Arcadia Treats Police and Fire to Lunch

A special thanks goes out to the ladies of the Woman's Club of Arcadia who hosted their annual Police and Fire Appreciation Luncheon today. Personnel from both the Arcadia Police Department and the Arcadia Fire Department were treated to a great lunch served today at the Club. Thanks again for the wonderful meal!

7-Eleven in West Arcadia Robbed

At about 2:50 am on Monday morning, May 10, 2010, a lone male suspect entered the 7-Eleven store at Baldwin Avenue and Fairview Avenue. The suspect displayed a handgun tucked in his waistband to the clerk, demanding cash from the register. Fearing he would be shot, the clerk handed over the money and the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was dressed in a dark hooded sweatshirt, wearing a bandana over his face and gloves. He was only described as a male about 5'06"/130 lbs, unknown race.

Two Men Arrested for Robbery

Early Sunday Morning, May 9, 2010, at about 6:15 am, a group of three men and a woman met up in the REI parking lot in the 200 block of North Santa Anita Avenue. The group had met to go hiking. Two suspects approached the group and one suspect suddenly punched one of the male victims in the face, knocking the victim to the ground. The other two male victims stepped in but were also punched during the incident. The second suspect pulled out a knife and the victims were told to hand over their cash. The female victim had locked herself in her vehicle and dialed 9-1-1. Once money and a wallet were obtained, the suspects fled on foot.

Arcadia Officers arrived in the area and located the two suspects near Santa Anita Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The suspects were positively identified and arrested. Jesus Arredondo, 20 years old from Adelanto and Anthony Lopez, 20 years old from Fontana were both booked on robbery charges at the Arcadia City Jail. The male victims suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment.

Fire Hydrant Sheared in Traffic Collision

At approximately 9:50AM, officers were dispatched to the intersection of westbound Huntington Drive and Centennial Street regarding an injury traffic collision. Two vehicles collided at the intersection causing one of the involved cars to hop the curb and strike a fire hydrant. The sheared hydrant shot high pressure water several feet into the air. The injured parties were treated at the scene by Arcadia Fire Department personnel. At the time of this posting, the cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Traffic was only slightly affected and the roadway was cleared within an hour.

Arcadia Public Works responded to repair the damaged hydrant.

Weekly Tip - Seat Belts Save Lives

This video, courtesy of Sussex Safer Roads in the UK, speaks for itself.  Not only is it a violation of California State Law to not wear your seat belt - seat belts save lives!  Buckle-Up!

Activity Highlights for April 25 - May 1, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_4-25.pdf

National Police Week 2010

National Police Week (May 9-15, 2010), which occurs each year during the week in which May 15 falls, recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America's law enforcement community. Principal organizers of National Police Week are:

•National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), which sponsors the annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.


•Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOP/FOPA), which organize the Peace Officers Memorial Day Service at the U.S. Capitol.


•Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), which holds the National Police Survivors' Conference.

The 34th Annual California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 7, 2010, in Sacramento.

WANTED - Auto Burglary

The SUV pictured above has been used in the commission of at least two auto burglaries in the parking lot of Arcadia Fitness, 56 E. Duarte Road, Arcadia. The most recent event occurred in the evening hours on Friday, April 23, 2010. The suspect SUV is a Chevrolet, possibly early 2000’s Suburban or Tahoe, tinted windows, sunroof, roof rack, unique spoke wheels with chrome ring, and low profile tires.

If you recognize this vehicle or have information about the owner/driver, please call Arcadia Detectives at (626) 574-5160.

Hair Salon Robbery

At about 7:20 pm on Thursday evening, April 27, 2010, a male suspect entered the Metro Style Hair Studio located in the 1000 block of N. Santa Anita Avenue, armed with a silver semi-automatic handgun, and demanded money from the owner. Once the suspect obtained the money, he exited the rear door, ran southbound towards Floral Ave., and fled the location in an unknown direction, possibly in a dark sedan. The loss was cash.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, approximately 20-30 years of age, about 5'-08", 160 lbs., clear, light-skinned complexion, no facial hair, wearing a dark colored hooded sweater, dark colored pants, and a blue and white bandana around neck.

Anyone with information is asked to call APD Detectives at (626) 574-5160.