News Release: Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Robbery

Incident:                                                              Assault with a deadly weapon/ Robbery            

Date and Time of Release:                                    April 29, 2012 / 10:30PM

Location: 645 W. Duarte Rd. (Arcadia Supermarket).

On April 29, 2012, at approximately 8:00pm, the victim, a male adult, was walking through the parking lot of the location when he was approached by four suspects described as male white or Hispanic adults, (NFD). One of the suspects demanded money from the victim and all four suspects stepped toward him. The victim ran from the suspects and they fired several shots at him, striking him once in the left thigh.  Witnesses transported the victim to Methodist Hospital where he was treated for the non-life threatening gunshot wound.  The suspects fled prior to police arriving on scene and are still at large. A detailed investigation of the crime scene and interviews of the victim and witnesses are ongoing at this time. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5156.

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Brian Ortiz, Sergeant

           

Refer Case #12-1951 

Honoring Deputy David March - Murdered Ten Years Ago

Personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department stand watch over the memorial for slain hero, Deputy David March. Today is the tenth anniversary of the murder of Deputy March, killed during a traffic stop on Live Oak Avenue, east of Peck Road, on April 29, 2002, at about 10:40 a.m. A memorial was built in his honor at the scene. Temple Deputies remember Deputy March not only on the anniversary of his death, but throughout the year by displaying his call sign, "57", on the rear window of Temple units. Please join the Arcadia Police Department and our members in honoring this slain local hero, Deputy Dave March.

Weekly Activity Highlights for April 15-21, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_4.15.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Mail & Identity Theft

The theft of mail is a problem that impacts individuals in every community. Mail theft can be random, or planned and repeated time and time again at the same location. Thieves will target a residence with unlocked or easily accessed mail boxes, taking mail that contains vital information about you. They may open accounts, conduct fraudulent activity and intercept the incoming bills before you even see them. This is just one form of Identity Theft. The State of California has a website that discusses ID theft and has a list of prevention tips. View those TIPS HERE.

The US Postal Inspection Service works with local Law Enforcement to combat and prosecute those responsible for stealing your identity, services and goods. Take a look at the US Postal Inspection Service website for more valuable information to help prevent mail and identity theft.

Volunteerism and Social Media Saving Lives

Imagine opening up a social media platform and reading a post leading you to believe someone may be contemplating suicide - What would you do? This scenario recently landed in the lap of a teenage Colorado girl. It was no accidental discovery though; this young lady is part of a loosely knit group of people who form Compassion Alert on the microblogging website, Tumblr.com.  Tumblr is a site where people can post just about anything, like photos, videos, music, quotes, or basically anything impacting their lives.

Compassion Alert is a group and page formed on Tumblr to assist those contemplating suicide.  "Compassion Alert's mission is to help Tumbloggers execute 'reverse cyber-bullying'. We strive to let those who think they are alone know that they are not, with a strong focus on those who are considering suicide."  The page was created by a 19-year-old young lady named Madden.  The page advises those contemplating suicide to seek professional and public safety assistance, immediately.  But, moreover, the page also acts as a message conduit to notify Compassion Alert's followers about messages and posts by other Tumblr members, where indications of potential suicide or depression are present.  Messages are categorized by severity and then posted.  Compassion Alert members will acknowledge the post and advise if they can attempt communication with the depressed or suicidal individual. Their presence can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Like other members of Compassion Alert, our Colorado teen was volunteering her time to review and respond to alerts one evening, not too long ago.  She came across an alert that said a teenager had posted a photo and messages on Tumblr talking about committing suicide.  The Colorado girl looked further into the postings and was able to determine the suicidal teen possibly lived in Arcadia, CA.  Concerned for the safety of the suicidal teen, the volunteer called the Arcadia Police Department and reported the posts, asking the police for assistance.

The police dispatcher taking the call was not familiar with Tumblr, other than it was a social media platform.  The dispatcher took the information and sought the advice of a patrol supervisor, who was better versed in Tumblr.  The supervisor was able to cross-reference the possible victim's information between Tumblr and Facebook, with other departmental resources, and located a friend of the victim. The victim's friend was able to provide a home address for the victim. Officers went to the victim's home and with the help of the victim's parents, appropriate medical and professional assistance was obtained for the teen.

This story is a great example of volunteerism and caring at its best. From Madden taking time to create and monitor Compassion Alert, to the young Colorado teen caring enough to get involved, and to the teamwork displayed by public safety personnel, each individual deserves acknowledgement.  Job well done!  Thankfully, staff was familiar enough with social media to have a positive impact on this incident.  Take note public safety - train your personnel in new technology, terminology, and Internet based platforms used by your community.  Traditional response and investigative means for handling calls for service may not work in the virtual or Internet based society where we now live.

This incident is also an example of how social media can play a role in saving lives.  Many people share personal information about their lives quite openly on various social media platforms.  A good majority of this information can place persons in danger or perhaps cause them to be victimized by outsiders viewing the posts. Thankfully, the outsiders viewing this post and others like it were doing so while looking out for the safety of another.  In this case, social media and volunteerism contributed to quite possibly saving a life.  Great timing for this post since we are acknowledging the work of all volunteers this week as National Volunteer Week 2012.  

Celebrate Volunteerism!

We are celebrating National Volunteer Week 2012 this week, April 15-21, 2012. Arcadia has long promoted volunteer service and the Arcadia Police Department formally began accepting volunteers in 1992, after forming the Volunteers Services Section.  APD currently has in excess of 100 volunteers who donate their time for the betterment of the community and the police department.

The list of volunteer activity at APD is filled with a variety of services such as: translators, amateur radio operators, clerical, administrative, and investigative support, chaplains, police explorers, and other duties.  The majority of volunteers dedicate their time behind the scenes. Two specialized units of volunteers who are very visible in the community include the Arcadia Mounted Enforcement Team (AMET) and the Volunteers in Patrol Support (VIPS).

Please join us this week in saying a hearty "thank you" to those who dedicate themselves to our community and to your Arcadia Police Department.

For more information on our Volunteer Services Section, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Leon Solorio, at (626) 574-5173.

Weekly Activity Highlights for April 7-14, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/1211111842012weekly_4._8.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Emergency Mass Notification through ALERT LA

In 2009, Los Angeles County officials announced the implementation of an emergency mass notification system to alert residents and businesses by phone, text, and e-mail of emergencies in their area.

Called Alert LA County, the system will allow the Sheriff's Emergency Communications Center to activate local and regional alerts by drawing the boundaries of the area to be notified on a computer map. Recorded and written alerts will provide information on the nature of the emergency and necessary actions, such as evacuations.

The County's 7.1 million land-line phone numbers are programmed into the mass notification system, but the public must register Voice over IP lines, cell phones and e-mail addresses. Registration of this information can be done on the County's Alert LACounty.gov website. Each telephone number and e-mail can be associated with only one street address.

Use the link above to register your information. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete the form. In addition to Alert LA County, the Arcadia Police Department also uses Nixle to make community notification in the event of emergencies. Nixle is a "community wire" that allows our agency to share community information, crime alerts, traffic advisories, and much more with folks living, working, and visiting our City. We encourage you to sign-up for Nixle messaging from APD in addition to your participation in Alert LA County.

"Water Company...Can I Come In?"

We have received several reports of distraction burglaries, or attempted burglaries, occur in the last month throughout the City of Arcadia.  This type of residential burglary is not unique to Arcadia and has been reported throughout the San Gabriel Valley to other police agencies.  However, it is always good to remind our community about these crimes in order to increase awareness and help prevent them from occurring in the future.

These distraction burglaries are usually committed during daytime hours and the victims are older in age.  The primary suspect will contact the victim either outside in the yard, or at the door.  The suspect will state they are from entities such as the water company, a construction company, or perhaps even the City.  Many times, the suspect will say they need to check on water faucets and ask to enter the home, hoping to gain the trust and cooperation of the victim.  Once inside, the suspect will distract the victim and take items themselves, or perhaps have an accomplice enter the home to commit the crime.

Anytime someone approaches you or comes to your residence, obtain identification and confirm their identity.  There are times when a City employee, gas, electric, telephone, water, or other service worker may require entrance to your exterior property.

Legitimate service workers should be in some form of uniform, have identification, and most likely, a clearly marked company vehicle.  Unless you placed the service call, do not allow anyone access to your home.  If the person is suspicious or uncooperative, immediately call the police or dial 9-1-1.  Our dispatchers can be reached at (626) 574-5123.

If you have older neighbors, friends, or relatives, please share this information with them and help increase their awareness to this type of crime.

The Arcadia Police Department is issuing a Road Closure advisory for Duarte Road, which will occur on Sunday April 15th, 2012 from 3:30PM to 9:00PM.

The road closure will affect all lanes of Duarte Road from Baldwin Avenue to Lovell Avenue.

The City of Arcadia will be conducting a traffic related study on the roadway in the 600 block of west Duarte Road. Unfortunately, this study necessitates the entire closure of the roadway during the aforementioned time frame.

There will be designated traffic detour routes posted for vehicles to circumvent the closure area and still access the local businesses, but it is recommended to avoid the area entirely unless absolutely necessary.

Suggested Alternate Routes to Access the Businesses within the Closed Area:

- North Side of Duarte Rd = Arcadia Avenue
- South Side of Duarte Rd = Naomi Avenue

Suggested Alternate Routes to avoid the Closure:

- Huntington Drive
- Camino Real Avenue
- Holly Avenue
- Golden West Avenue

For concerns, conflicts, or special needs with this scheduled event, please call:

- Deputy City Clerk / Records Manager : (626)574-5410

For assistance on the date of the event, please call:

- Arcadia Police Department: (626)574-5151

Weekly Activity Highlights for April 1-7, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly__4.1.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Move Right for Sirens and Lights!

CVC 21806 requires drivers to yield to authorized emergency vehicles. Police, Fire, Medics, and Forestry are the most common emergency vehicles seen in our City, but any authorized emergency vehicle displaying at least a solid red light and a siren as needed, shall be yielded to on the road. What does this mean? The CVC is specific in saying that drivers shall not only yield, or in other words "get out of the way", but shall pull toward the right side of the road and stop. Hence the saying, "Move Right for Sirens and Lights".

- Don't panic!
- Don't stop in the middle of the road!
- DO slow down and pull to the right safely!
- DO remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed!

Here is a humorous look at this important message from the Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue Service, Alabama.

Happy Easter 2012!

Wishing the best to everyone during this Easter holiday. Many drivers will be on the roads for the holiday weekend and traveling for spring break. Take care and travel safely. Happy Easter!

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The week of April 8-14, 2012 is "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week".  This is an opportunity to honor the women and men who serve as our public safety dispatchers.  They are the voice at the other end of the 911 call assisting a distraught caller. They are the voice behind the radio when police, firefighters, and medical personnel are responding to emergency situations.  Often these "invisible" courageous professionals are the forgotten component of public safety.

If you've ever been the victim of a crime, been in a collision, reported a fire or needed emergency medical help, you've called 911 and been helped by a telecommunicator, also known as a "dispatcher".  Not being visible or always recognized in the public eye, the critical role they play between the community and first responders is essential for every public safety call for service.  Our dispatchers are the direct link to our officers in the field.  They monitor the radios, computers, phones, and more, answering tens of thousands of calls from our community each year.

Telecommunicators Week began in California in 1981 and quickly grew to national recognition. Just ten years later, Congress designated the second full week of each April as a time to remember the critical role that dispatchers play in keeping us all safe.

We are fortunate to have some great Arcadia Police Department Dispatchers and we don’t take the time to say “thank you” often enough.  Captain Larry Goodman, our Administrative & Support Services Division Commander, oversees management of APD Dispatch operations and says, “We are blessed at Arcadia PD with outstanding public safety dispatchers who often are the lifeline to our officers in the field.  The service our dispatchers provide is second to none, which falls right in line with our Department motto of ‘Making a Difference’.”

Please join us in celebrating National Telecommunicators Week!

Huntington Drive Lane Closures, Downtown Arcadia, Week of April 9-13, 2012

Huntington Dr. lane closures, downtown Arcadia, week of Apr 9-13, Gold Line related.

Week of April 9, 2012 Construction Notice from ® 

Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension, Pasadena to Azusa 

Underground Utility Investigation on Huntington Drive between 1st Avenue and Gateway Drive, Arcadia, CA 

Attention residents, businesses, and organizations in the vicinity of the existing railroad tracks near Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA: 

Some lane closures will take place to allow construction crews to investigate existing underground utilities as part of pre-construction activities for the 11.5-mile Metro Gold Line light rail extension project. 

WHAT 

The location of existing underground utilities must be verified using an electronic device and vacuum excavation equipment. Some lane closures are required to accomplish this work. 

WHEN 

This operation is scheduled to begin Monday, April 9, and will continue intermittently until Friday, April 13, weather permitting. Anticipated work hours will be from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

WHERE 

Crews will be working on Huntington Drive between 1st Avenue and Gateway Drive in Arcadia, CA 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

• Some lanes may be temporarily closed 

• Thru-traffic will be maintained for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at all times 

• Some slowdown in traffic may occur 

• Signs will be posted to indicate street parking restrictions 

• Access will be maintained for local residences and businesses 

• Some bus stops may be temporarily closed during these activities 

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.foothillextension.org and sign up to receive important progress updates and construction alerts to your email. Community Hotline: (626) 324-7098 

Weekly Activity Highlights for March 25-31, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_3.25.12.pdf

Derby Day 5K Road Closures - Saturday, April 7, 2012

The 18th Annual Santa Anita Derby Day 5K Run & Walk will be held on Saturday, April 7th, 2011. As a result of this event, vehicles driving on Baldwin Avenue between Huntington Drive and Foothill Boulevard will be delayed or diverted from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. It is recommended that alternate routes be used during this time period to avoid being detoured or delayed. 

For alternate north-south travel, use Michillinda or Santa Anita Avenues. Westfield Santa Anita Mall and Santa Anita Race Track may be accessed from Huntington Drive entrances during the run. 

Questions or concerns may be directed to Sergeant Jason Davis at (626)574-5181, or the on-duty Watch Commander at the Arcadia Police Department, (626) 574-5156. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

HERE is a link to the event website.

Weekly Tip - Auto Burglary Prevention

Thieves look for easy and inviting targets when it comes to selecting a vehicle to burglarize or steal from. It is up to you to make every effort to prevent your car from being targeted. Here are some basic tips that will make your vehicle a little less inviting to a thief:

•LOCK your car!

•Always park in well lighted areas

•Install motion lights in your driveway

•Install and use a vehicle alarm

•DO NOT leave valuables in plain view

•Leave all items of value at home if possible

•Look around when you park. Notice anyone or anything suspicious? Write down license plates and descriptions. Alert on-site security or staff and CALL the police.

Many auto burglaries or thefts from cars occur right in a residential driveway and too often it is because the vehicle was never locked. Recent arrests of two suspects revealed that they only targeted cars that were left unlocked, walking up and down a street trying car doors all the way. Take the time to secure your vehicle.

Other thieves target victims by watching what is placed inside a trunk or hatch. If you plan on stopping by the gym, park, or elsewhere after work, take the time before you leave to place your belongings safely in the trunk. Don't wait until you park to then transfer your laptop, purse, bag, or briefcase to the trunk. Thieves may be watching and targeting your car.

These are just a few tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim of auto burglary. Be proactive, look around, and most importantly, don't hesitate to call the police if you see something or someone suspicious. Don't be a victim!

Don't Be a Zombie - Don't Text & Drive!

From  our partners at the California Office of Traffic Safety!

Missing Adult - Suicidal

Incident:                                                        Missing Adult - Suicidal

Date and Time of Release:                       April 02, 21012 6:00 AM

On Sunday April 01, 2012 at approximately 10:21 PM, the Arcadia Police Department received information regarding a missing adult who is suspected to be suicidal.  The missing person is Thomas Edward Horn and his description is as follows:  Male/White, Fifty-six (56) years old, 5’8” tall, 150 pounds, brown hair, and green eyes.

Mr. Horn’s daughter, who resides out of state, called to report her father missing and believes he is possibly suicidal.    She reported that her father was recently released from a WIC 5150 hold and he had sent her a message of committing suicide.  She also indicated that he has a history of making statements of suicide.

Horn’s daughter does not know where her father lives, but believes he stays somewhere in the City of Arcadia.  Attempts to locate Mr. Horn at his last known addresses have been unsuccessful.

Anyone with information should contact the Arcadia Police Watch Commander at (626)574-5156 and reference case number 12-1498.

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By:  Lieutenant Mike Castro

       Operations Division