Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Weekly Tip - Comments, Questions? Use Arcadia Advocacy!

The City of Arcadia offers an informative website and is constantly looking to improve accessibility to our community. One link on the website is to Arcadia Advocacy. This link allows the user to submit concerns, questions, and comments on any given topic to the City. The post is forwarded to the appropriate Department or person within the City and the post is then reviewed. We make every attempt to respond in a timely manner and address the issue at hand.

At the Police Department, many of the posts are simple questions that we can usually handle rather quickly. Some comments are more involved and require a little research or action on the part of APD. Feedback from the community is one key to constantly improving our services. Please remember comments or posts via Arcadia Advocacy are not in lieu of police reports for documentation of crime or other incidents. 

Arcadia Advocacy comments can be sent anonymously or with contact information. Obviously, we encourage you to leave a name and contact information so that we can follow-up with the issue.  Arcadia Advocacy is just another outreach to improve relations and our service delivery.

Monday, February 24, 2014

News Release: DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                        February 23, 2014

ARCADIA POLICE DEPARTMENT 
DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

The Arcadia Police Department held a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at the intersection of Baldwin Avenue & Gate 8 on Saturday, February 22, 2014, from 9 PM to 3 AM.  A summary of our enforcement efforts is listed below:
   

1997—Vehicles Passed Through the Checkpoint
1249—Vehicles Were Screened/Contacted
55—Vehicles Were Sent to the Secondary Inspection Area
15—Field Sobriety Tests Were Administered
5—DUI Alcohol Arrests
2—Traffic Warrant Arrests
1—Public Intoxication Arrest
16—Unlicensed Driver Citations
7—Suspended License Arrests/Citations
6—30 Day Vehicle Impounds
6—1 Day Vehicle Storages


We would like to remind the public of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  It simply is not worth it to drive while impaired.  Remember, “Friends don’t let friend’s drive while impaired.”

Don’t forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Nixle for other pertinent news and information.  Remember, the solution begins with you!

Funding for this operation is provided from a grant administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.



Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police

By: Brett Bourgeous
Traffic Sergeant

Friday, February 21, 2014

ROAD CLOSURES for Temple City Camellia Festival, Feb 21-23, to include Las Tunas Dr west of Baldwin Ave.

ROAD CLOSURE - Las Tunas Drive west of Baldwin Avenue

PLEASE SEE THE BELOW MESSAGE FROM THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY:
The Temple City Camellia Festival and the City of Temple City will be hosting the 70th Annual Camellia Festival and Parade on February 21 – 23, 2014. The Camellia Festival begins on Friday, February 21 at 4 p.m. and ends on Sunday, February 23 at 8 p.m.
The festival rides will be placed on Las Tunas Dr. in front of Temple City Park. The set-up for the festival rides will have an impact on vehicular traffic.
- Las Tunas Dr. between Kauffman Ave. and Golden West Ave – CLOSED for vehicular traffic February 19, 12 p.m. to February 24, 6 a.m.
The Camellia Parade will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2014 and will begin at 10 a.m. There will be a number of street closures associated with the event that will impact vehicular travel.
Street Closures will be as follows:
- Las Tunas Dr. between Rosemead Blvd. and Baldwin Ave. – CLOSED for vehicular traffic 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sultana Ave. between Hermosa Dr. and Broadway - CLOSED for vehicular traffic 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Kauffman Ave. between Woodruff Ave. and Workman Ave. – CLOSED for vehicular traffic 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be no parking along the parade route and surrounding streets on February 22 between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.
During the street closure, north and south access will be limited to Rosemead Blvd. and Baldwin Ave.
If you have any questions, please call City Hall at (626) 285-2171.

Sergeant S. Morsi
Temple Sheriff's Station
(626) 285-7171

www.temple.lasd.org
www.facebook.com/templesheriffsstation
www.twitter.com/TEMLASD
- See more at: http://nixle.com/alert/5151177/#sthash.NfCf49cO.dpuf

Thank YOU Arcadia! 400 folks meet at Town Hall meeting last night...awesome interest!


The Arcadia Police Department held a Town Hall meeting last night at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Duarte Road. The community showed huge support and interest with the crowd estimated at over 400 folks. There was standing room only while members of APD addressed current crime trends and provided insight into how the community can assist in our crime reduction efforts.
We look forward to further introducing our Area Commanders, our Community Outreach programs, and our communications platforms to you as we move forward.
Special thanks to our hosts at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for providing the meeting space and opening their doors to the community.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on Coffee with a Cop and the Make-A-Wish Truck Adventures events coming in March.

Thank YOU again for your support and interest!

Bob Guthrie, Chief of Police
by: Tom Le Veque, Sergeant


* Follow the below link for an Information Bulletin regarding the Town Hall Meeting content:

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/town_hall_info_bulletin_feb_2014.pdf



Thursday, February 20, 2014

DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint this Saturday, February 22, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                        February 22, 2014
ARCADIA POLICE DEPARTMENT 
Upcoming DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint 

The Arcadia Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint in the city limits during the evening hours of Saturday, February 22nd.  The Arcadia Police Department recently received two grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways, through the use of DUI checkpoints, specialized enforcement efforts and public awareness.  
    
One of the goals of our enforcement activity is to promote public safety and increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  This will be accomplished by providing a highly visible enforcement and publicity campaign, in order to deter intoxicated drivers from getting behind the wheel and driving.  Through these efforts, we also seek to reduce the number of injuries and deaths associated with collisions involving intoxicated drivers. 

We would like to remind the public of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  It simply is not worth it to drive while impaired.  Remember, “Friends don’t let friend’s drive while impaired.”

Don’t forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Nixle for other pertinent news and information.  Remember, the solution begins with you!  

Funding for this operation is provided from a grant administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police

By: Brett Bourgeous
Traffic Sergeant



Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Weekly Tip - Why APD Uses Multiple Platforms to Communicate


While we always say, "Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies", there are many ways to engage with the Arcadia Police Department.  And, if you prefer the in-person approach, our Department is located at 250 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia CA 91007, phone 626.574.5150, Information-Records hours 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

You may wonder why we use multiple platforms to engage and communicate.  Social platforms may ebb and flow in popularity as technology evolves and as trends move on.  Not all of our community may have a Facebook page or a Twitter account.  Some folks do not even have an actual "land-line" phone anymore.  We won't be able to reach everyone in one message or on any one platform.  This has caused us to participate in a variety of social and communications platforms in order to engage a larger portion of our community.  Each platform has a use and purpose, and all are meant to supplement, not replace, our physical presence and service.  Yes, we may still be knocking on doors and posting flyers should the need arise.

APD Website (ArcadiaPD.org) *Links to all services including Parking Permits, Online Reporting, etc.                                               


Alert LACounty (similar to Alert Arcadia but managed by County Emergency Management)



APD Facebook                                                                                    

APD Smart PhoneApp *Links to most APD platforms and allows for "push" notification


APD Instagram (Photo)                                                                

APD Vine (Video)                                                                             

APD Google+                                                                                     

Nextdoor (Virtual NeighborhoodWatch)                             


Please remember - these APD platforms are not monitored 24/7.  Always dial 9-1-1 for emergencies!                                                                  


Monday, February 17, 2014

Indoor Marijuana Grow Discovered in Arcadia after Small Fire Caused by Burning Electrical Wires on Roof

(Attached photo courtesy Arcadia Police Department showing just a small number of marijuana plants removed from the residence.)

News Release:  Cultivation of Marijuana

Case Number 14-0834

Date/Time of Release: February 17, 2014 at 2:45 P.M. – Updated


Today, at approximately 8:49 A.M., the Arcadia Police Department received a call from a witness reporting a neighboring house was on fire. Officers, along with Arcadia Fire Department personnel, responded to the scene and located a small roof fire caused by wires in the 2400 block of Louise Avenue.

In an attempt to locate persons inside the residence and get them to safety, officers made entry into the house and observed numerous marijuana plants in different stages of cultivation. Nobody was located inside the dwelling.

Once the fire was extinguished and the location was rendered safe, officers remained on-scene and contacted members of the Detective Bureau for further investigation. Detectives searched the residence and recovered 2,489 live marijuana plants along with sophisticated growing equipment used for the cultivation of the crops. A representative from Southern California Edison was at the location and estimated $16,000.00 to $20,000.00 in energy consumption had been stolen during the time of this operation. Currently there is nobody in custody for this crime.

The investigation is being conducted by Arcadia Police Department Officers and 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).


Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police


By: Sergeant Jason Davis
Operations Division

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Weekly Tip - Don't Break Anyone's Heart!

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Valentine's Day this Friday! But, please don't let any hearts be broken by driving under the influence and causing someone to be injured.  If you are out celebrating the holiday with a loved one, make sure to get everyone home safely!  That broken heart could even be your own, should you be arrested for DUI.


Don't Drink and Drive!  Remember Jan's Towing offers the Don't Drive Drunk Detour Program where they will give your car and you a lift home within their service area.  See their website for details or call (626)914-1841.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Weekly Activity Highlights for February 2 - 8, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_2.2.14.pdf

Reserve Officer Jack Orswell Retires


Our Reserve Police Officer Program recognized Reserve Officer Jack Orswell for his 20-years of service to the City and Police Department during a dinner held last week.  Jack recently retired from the program in January.

During Jack's participation in the Reserve Program, he worked uniformed patrol and a variety of special details for the Department.  Most notably, Jack was instrumental in working with our Massage Therapist Task Force and Adult Performer enforcement and licensing, conducting backgrounds and follow-up, saving countless hours for our detectives. 

Police Chief Bob Guthrie (above right) presented Jack (above left) with a service plaque and offered a heartfelt thanks on behalf of all of us at the Department.    





Thursday, February 6, 2014

Town Hall Meeting to address Neighborhood Watch and Residential Burglary Trends

“In our endeavor to keep you informed of recent activity in your neighborhood, this message is being sent to you from the Community Affairs Office of the Arcadia Police Department.”

“We will be holding a Special Town Hall meeting to discuss the recent trend in residential burglaries that has been occurring in our City.  Without causing you unnecessary alarm, the Arcadia Police Department wants to share with you the efforts being undertaken to protect you and your property, and to inform you as to how you may participate in these crime prevention efforts through our Neighborhood Watch Program. 

We encourage you to attend this very important Special Town Hall meeting on Thursday, February 20th, from 6:30-8:00 pm. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 150 W. Duarte Road.”

“The Arcadia Police Department strives to “Make a Difference” and your safety and welfare are of the utmost concern and importance to us. We encourage the public awareness campaign: “If You See Something, Say Something.”  Therefore, if you have any information that you think might be helpful concerning this matter, please call the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5123

Thank you and be safe.

Community Affairs Office
CSO Mike Vercillo


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Download our MyPD App!


Two Arrested for Residential Burglary and Attempted Residential Burglary

Attempted Residential Burglary – Case Number 14-0583

Date/Time of Release:  February 4, 2014 at 7:00 P.M.

Today, at approximately 3:31 P.M., the Arcadia Police Department received a call of two suspicious men in the rear yard of a residence in the 400 Block of Sharon Road. The first officer to arrive in the area saw two similar men to the front of the residence, which they had attempted to burglarize. Both men ran from the officer and a perimeter was established.  About two minutes later, a different officer captured one of the suspects. The second suspect was eventually captured inside another burglarized residence in the 500 block of Sharon Road.

A yard-to-yard search was conducted in the area with the assistance of helicopters from the Pasadena Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and K-9 officers from the Alhambra and Pasadena Police Departments. Due to its proximity to the containment, Baldwin Stocker School was placed on lockdown while the search was being conducted.  No suspects were located on the school property. 

The first suspect was identified as Michael McCray Jr., who is a 24-year-old parolee from Pasadena. The suspect will be booked for attempted residential burglary. The bail for attempted residential burglary is $50,000, but there will likely be a parole hold on McCray. The second suspect was identified as Christopher Hicks Jr., who was a 21-year-old from West Covina. Hicks will be charged with two counts of residential burglary and his bail is $50,000. Both suspects are currently being held in the Arcadia Police Department’s jail.

The investigation is being conducted by Arcadia Police Department Officers and 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).


Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police

By:   Lieutenant Tom Cullen

        Operations Division

Morning ATM Robbery Lands Suspect In Jail

Armed Robbery – Case Number 14-0592

Date/Time of Release:  February 5, 2014 at 10:30 A.M.

Today, at approximately 7:51 A.M., the Arcadia Police Department received a call of an armed robbery that had just occurred in the 1200 block of South Baldwin Avenue.  A witness to the crime reported that a male Hispanic in a hooded shirt, armed with a handgun, had just robbed a female of US currency who was conducting business at an ATM.  In addition to describing the suspect, the witness gave a description of a white Ford truck, containing gardening equipment, the suspect was seen driving away from the location of the armed robbery.

Officers working in the area located a vehicle matching the description and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle matched the description of the suspect and he was taken into custody.  Officers conducting the investigation at the scene located US currency and a weapon matching the description given by the victim.

The suspect has been identified as Peter Daniel Ruiz, 47 years old, who resides in El Monte, California.  Ruiz was booked for Armed Robbery at the Arcadia City Jail and is being held on $100,000.00 bail.

The investigation is being conducted by Arcadia Police Department Officers and 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).


Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police

By:   Sergeant Jason Davis

        Operations Division

Weekly Tip - Stay Anonymous with Crime Stoppers!


Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers was formed to give the Community an opportunity to pass on timely, relevant, and anonymous tips to local Law Enforcement.  Tips from you help in the fight to reduce crime and greatly enhance our ability to obtain information on suspects, potential threats to public safety, and to help prevent crime before it happens.

People are sometimes reluctant to contact the police and may shy away from reporting information for fear of retaliation.  Crime Stoppers gives you the opportunity to deliver tips anonymously while still making a difference in the fight on crime.  Tips can be made by phone, by text, or from the Internet.  Anyone submitting a tip is eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given leads to an arrest or criminal filing of a felony or misdemeanor offender.  The toll-free phone number to LA Crime Stoppers is (800) 222-TIPS.

The Arcadia Police Department is proud to be one of the numerous area police agencies participating in the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers program.