Weekly Tip - Be Bear Aware!

(Photo courtesy of RMG News)

The City of Arcadia’s proximity to the foothills increases the opportunity for various wildlife to wander into neighborhoods and onto private property. Bears are no strangers to the foothill neighborhoods and the likelihood of bears coming into yards, pools, and trashcans is increased during the summer months.

Foothill residents should be alert for bears in their neighborhoods and take the following actions to prevent bear activity in their area:

- Secure trash cans in an enclosure if possible

- Harvest ripened fruit from trees

- DO NOT FEED the bears

Bears are wild animals and should not be approached.

Make sure to check your yards and closely monitor children to ensure they do not come into contact with bears or other wildlife that might cause them harm.

Should you see a bear in your neighborhood, contact the Arcadia Police Department at: (626)574-5151. The majority of these encounters end with the bear wandering back into the foothills. We ask you notify us when bears are seen in your neighborhood because we do track these calls for service in order to better asses problem locations and/or recurring animal encounters.

For additional tips and information, please visit the California Department of Fish & Wildlife at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/bear.html

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 19 - 25, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_7.19.15.pdf

Coffee with a Cop at Santa Anita Park - Save the Date!

Come Dine with Us - Relay for Life Fundraiser at Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill will graciously donate a percentage of the night's proceeds to the APD Relay for Life Team, benefiting the American Cancer Society. Bring a copy of the flyer or show them the picture on your smart phone, this Thursday, July 30th, 4-10pm.

Remembering a Friend and Partner

Five years ago today, we lost a friend and partner here at APD. Long-time Police Reserve Officer and APD Crime Analyst Mike Daleo succumbed to cancer on July 24, 2010.

Mike was friend to all here at APD. He was one of the first Crime Analysts in the San Gabriel Valley and was well-known to the greater law enforcement family, always assisting outside agencies with their cases and information.

We miss you, Mike. Thanks for the years of friendship and service to Arcadia and beyond!

Host Town Arcadia Welcomes the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

The Arcadia Police Department was fortunate enough to be part of the welcome for the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Support of Special Olympics, 2015 World Games. As part of Host Town Arcadia's events, a ceremony honoring the athletes was held on the City Hall lawn. Members of the LETR Final Leg and athletes ran from Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue to City Hall for the ceremony. Please visit the APD Facebook page for additional photos from the event.

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 12 - 18, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_7.12.15.pdf

Weekly Tip - Dial 2-1-1, Help Starts Here for Assistance Resources

We are lucky in Los Angeles County to have one of the largest and most effective resource lines in the nation. LA County 211 is a 501(c)3 organization providing free assistance to callers on a very wide range of topics.

Assistance Topics Include:

• Housing
• Seniors and Older Adults
• Food
• Transportation
• Crisis and Mental Health
• Legal
• Family, Children, and Youth Services
• And much more!

Take a look at their website and search their resource database or just dial 2-1-1.

Remembering Officer Albert E. Matthies, EOW July 19, 1927

Today is the 88th anniversary of the murder of Arcadia Police Officer Albert E. Matthies, the only Arcadia Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. Officer Matthies was shot while detaining three young men near the intersection of Northview and Foothill in north Arcadia on July 18, 1927, shortly before midnight. Officer Matthies came upon the men inside a vehicle parked on Northview. Officer Matthies was unaware that the men were preparing to conduct a robbery at a business nearby. The rear seat passenger was Frank Miller. Miller pulled out a .45 cal handgun and shot at Matthies, striking him in the neck. Matthies later died from the gunshot wound at 12:07 AM on July 19, 1927.

Leo Bertolina, a friend of Matthies, was riding along that night in the police car. Bertolina was able to scramble away after being shot at and hit with flying glass from windows being struck by gunfire. Bertolina telephoned for additional police assistance. The trio of suspects got away that night but were later apprehended in Los Angeles within days. The three suspects were later convicted of the murder of Officer Matthies and sentenced to prison. The shooter died in prison. The two accomplices were later paroled and died shortly after release.

The murder of Officer Matthies is memorialized at the following locations:

• Plaque memorial at Foothill Blvd/Northview Ave, Arcadia CA. Northview Avenue has been co-named Albert Matthies Way in honor of Officer Matthies.
• Los Angeles County Peace Officers Memorial, Whittier CA
• California Peace Officers Memorial, Sacramento CA
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Washington DC
• Officer Down Memorial Page
• Live Oak Memorial Park, Monrovia CA
• Arcadia Police Department, Arcadia CA

LANE CLOSURE - Huntington Drive at Fifth Avenue, Monday July 20th

Attention Huntington Drive Commuters:

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane, westbound Huntington Drive at Fifth Avenue, on Monday, July 20th, from 10:00 am to 4:000 pm, for construction. Local businesses will be accessible. 

Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run - 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games

Law Enforcement personnel and members of the Special Olympics will participate in the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, in Arcadia, on Wednesday, July 22nd. Runners will head out from Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue at about 2:45 pm, escorted by APD, westbound on Huntington Drive to City Hall. There will be a ceremony on the City Hall lawn at 3:00 pm in honor of the LETR and Special Olympics. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the runners will continue westbound on Huntington Drive to Baldwin Avenue, completing the ceremonial run in Arcadia. Please join us in honoring the LETR and all the Special Olympic World Summer Game Athletes!

Weekly Tip - Share the Road! Give Three Feet for Safety!

California law requires drivers to pass bicycles on the roadway only when they can safely allow 3 feet between the vehicle and bicycle. This is an infraction section, punishable by fine, and the driver may be subject to an increased fine should they cause a collision causing injury to the bicyclist.

If there is insufficient room to pass a bicyclist with the required 3 feet clearance, the drive must slow and not pass until safe to do so, and with the 3 foot clearance.

Bicyclists, too, play a role in roadway safety. California law also requires bicycles to be ridden with traffic, safely close to the right side of the road when no bicycle lane is designated, and they are subject to all rules of the road. Riding in a "pack" or abreast on the roadway is not permitted and is also subject to citation.

The California DMV is a great resource for information for drivers and bicyclists. Pay their website a visit!

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 5 - 11, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_7.5.15.pdf

Relay for Life Fundraiser at Pieology, Monrovia

Come dine with us! The new Monrovia Pieology will be generously donating 20% of proceeds on Wednesday, July 15th, to the American Cancer Society, Arcadia Relay for Life on behalf of the APOA/APCEA Team. Bring a copy of the flyer or show them the flyer pic on your phone.

Scammers Prey on So Cal Edison (SCE) Customers

In recent months, APD has fielded reports from both residential and commercial customers of Southern California Edison falling prey  to persistent phone scammers.

So how does the scam work? Phone impostors claiming to be with SCE call customers and fraudulently threaten to disconnect their electrical service unless immediate payment is made on a supposedly past-due bill. The caller demands payment immediately and tells the unsuspecting customer to buy a prepaid debit card — and there are many different kinds — and load a specific amount of money on it and call the impostor back, providing the serial number off the back of the card. Once you give out the serial number, the cash is untraceable and gone for good.

Although more customers are learning to recognize phone scams, impostors continue to cheat people out of their money using more elaborate, deceptive, and persistent ploys. Scammers also have created fake telephone lines and recordings that state: “Hello. Thank you for calling Southern California Edison Disconnection Department.” Another trick is telling customers local police will be called if they don’t pay immediately. 

Don't fall for these types of scams! Utility companies will not call and make such demands. HERE is additional information on scams from SCE. If you receive such a call, please report the incident to both your local police and SCE at 1-800-655-4555.

SCE also distributed similar warnings in 2013, one of which is available in Chinese, HERE.

Weekly Tip - Preventing Heat Related Illness

The temperatures have been rising as we head into the summer months.  We’ve seen temps in the mid to high 90’s and it’s only a matter of time before we hit triple digits.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer some great prevention tips to avoid heat related illness.  Visit the CDC website for this valuable information.  Simple steps like wearing lightweight, loose fitting, and light-colored clothing, along with staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can make a difference in keeping you healthy in the heat.

Monrovia Man Punches Officer, Chokes Another

News Release:

Incident: PC 664/187-Attempt Murder of a Police Officer

Date and Time of Release: July 7, 201 at 1:30 PM

On July 6, 2015, at approximately 3:09 PM, Arcadia police officers responded to the 400 block of East Huntington Drive regarding a male loitering to the front of a business disturbing and scaring customers. Officers arrived a few minutes later, and saw the extremely agitated man in front of the business. The officers’ initial assessment of the subject suggested he was under the influence of a controlled substance.

Shortly after the officers made contact with the subject, he became combative and began fighting with them for no apparent reason. While defending themselves, the two officers attempted to take the suspect into custody for his assault on them. During the fight, the suspect punched one of the officers in the face, and choked the other officer in an attempt to cause serious or fatal injury to him. Both officers fought with the suspect until additional officers arrived on scene to lend assistance. Soon thereafter, officers were able to gain control of the suspect, and place him under arrest.

Both officers suffered visible injuries, and were examined at a nearby hospital before being released a few hours later. The suspect suffered minor injuries, and was also taken to a nearby hospital before being cleared for booking and housing.

The suspect is identified as David King Brewster, a 24-years-old resident of Monrovia. Brewster was transferred to the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and his booking number is 4378580. Brewster’s bail is one-million dollars, and he has been charged with PC 664/187 - Attempted Murder of a Police Officer – amongst other charges.

This incident is being investigated by Arcadia Police Department Detectives. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5151, case #15-3332.

Robert Guthrie

Chief of Police

By: T. Cullen

      Lieutenant

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 28 - July 4, 2015

Be sure to check the log each week for highlights of criminal and other activity in Arcadia. For daily updates, subscribe to CrimeMapping.com for crime maps and email alerts, updated daily.

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6.28.15.pdf

National Night Out and Concert in the Park

Join us for Arcadia's celebration of National Night Out and a Concert in the Park on Thursday, August 6, 2015, 6:30 pm! The USO - Big Band will present a Patriotic themed concert, along with activities for the kids, crime prevention information, "kid print" station, the APD '59 Ford, and more, all on the City Hall lawn. Arcadia City Hall is located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, just north of the Police Department.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy 4th of July

Wishing the best to all on this 4th of July.  Celebrate safely and remember - ALL Fireworks are Prohibited in the City of Arcadia.  HERE is a list of local fireworks shows in LA County.

4th of July Pet Safety Information

Important information from our partners at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA:

July 5th is a busy day for the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and animal shelters around the country. The festivities we humans enjoy can be terrifying to our pets, and humane officers and concerned citizens bring countless dogs and cats—most of them exhausted and confused — to safety at animal shelters during and after the 4th of July holiday.

The safety and comfort of your pet requires special attention. PHS offers the following recommendations to help keep your pet secure. 

•Do not take your pets with you to watch fireworks.

•Keep your pet inside during 4th of July celebrations. Many cats and dogs are frightened by the loud noises of fireworks and will be happier safely confined at home. Playing a radio may help diffuse the loud noise of fireworks.

•Be certain that your pet's ID tag is current. Update your pet's microchip information if necessary. A visible form of identification is the best way to ensure that your pet can be returned home to you.

•If you think your pet may become extremely agitated or stressed, consult your veterinarian and discuss the possibility of sedatives or overnight boarding. You may wish to call an animal behavior specialist to work with your pet, but do this well in advance. 

•If your pet runs away, search the kennels of the shelter closest to you. Many shelters post photos of the animals that come into their facility on their website. PHS' website,www.pasadenahumane.org, is updated hourly so that lost animals may be quickly reunited with their lost owners. Post signs and visit nearby shelters for at least the next month. Animals can run a long way when they are badly frightened.

•If your cat is lost, it may stay in hiding for several days or weeks, so leave plenty of food and fresh water outside your door. (Pick it up at night so you don't attract unwanted wild animals.) Post signs and check your local and neighboring shelters in person and on line; your description of your pet may fit several animals in the shelter.

Staff at the Pasadena Humane Society will be available from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on July 4th and again at 8:00 a.m. on July 5th so people can find their lost pets. 

The staff at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA wishes you and your pets have a very safe and happy 4th of July.

*PHS is is the primary Animal Care and Control provider for the City of Arcadia.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                                         July 1, 2015              

CONTACT:  Sgt. Kollin Cieadlo / 626-574-5475

This Fourth of July, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ by

The Arcadia Police Department

Arcadia, CA – The Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays. And why not? Families and friends gather to celebrate our country with food, parades, parties, picnics and fireworks.

And yet there is a very dark side to this great holiday. For many, the celebration includes alcohol, and the holiday can quickly go from festive to fatal when people choose to drive after drinking. From 2009-2013, nearly 40 percent of ALL traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July period occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. Of the five major holiday periods of the year in California, the Fourth of July ranks as having the highest daily fatality rate.

Over the Fourth of July holiday period in 2013 alone (6 p.m. July 3^rd to 5:59 a.m. July 8^th), there were 199 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes on our nation’s roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In California, 28 individuals were killed in alcohol- involved crashes.

To crack down on drunk driving this Fourth of July, The Arcadia Police Department will be out in full force, aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger. A DUI Saturation Patrol will be deployed during the holiday weekend and all patrol officers will be alert to the tell-tale signs of an impaired driver.

NHTSA data shows that 10,076 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the United States in 2013—representing almost a third of all crash fatalities. By comparison, during the July Fourth period that year, 39 percent of all crash fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers.

The rate of high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) impaired driving is astounding. In fatal crashes during the July Fourth period in 2013, more than one-fifth (21%) of involved drivers or motorcycle operators had BACs of .15 or higher—almost twice the legal limit.

NHTSA data also reveals that 35 percent of young drivers (18 to 34 years old) were driving drunk (BAC of .08 or higher) in fatal crashes over the July Fourth period in 2013. Motorcycle operators are also overrepresented as the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes. In 2013, more than one-quarter (27%) of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes had BACs of .08 or higher.

Drunk drivers are more common at night, too. Over the July 4^th holiday in 2013, more than two fifths (42%) of the drivers in nighttime fatal crashes (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were alcohol-impaired, as compared to 13 percent of drivers in fatal crashes during the day.

If you’re caught driving drunk or drug-impaired, you will be arrested. Aside from putting your life and the lives of others at risk, driving impaired can also lead to serious consequences. A DUI arrest can mean time in jail, loss of your license, and steep financial expenses; the average DUI costs about $10,000.

Law enforcement region-wide is asking for everyone’s support this holiday weekend and all summer long:

·         Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.

·         Before drinking, designate a sober driver.

• DDVIP: The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen. 
• DRUGS, MEDICATION & ALCOHOL= CRASHES:  Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

·         If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to “Report Drunk Drivers! Call 911!”

·         If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take your friend’s keys and help your friend make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely.

Funding for the special DUI operation is by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The Avoid DUI Task Force will deploy checkpoints and DUI patrols next during the August/Labor Day DUI Mobilization.

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! 

                  

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

By: Kollin Cieadlo

Traffic Sergeant

Weekly Tip - Not Even for a Minute! Look Before You Lock!

Tragically, a 3-year-old child was left in a car on Father's Day in the City of Pomona and ultimately died from over heating. This type of tragedy is preventable and an important topic throughout the year, but even more so with temperatures heating up.

NEVER leave a child or pet inside a parked car, Not Even for a Minute! This video from Safe Kids USA demonstrates how quickly temperatures can rise inside a vehicle. Even with windows cracked, temperatures will rise well above outside temps creating a dangerous environment inside the vehicle.

LOOK Before You Lock! No matter what the errand or drive, look around, check the back seat...never leave your child or pet inside the car. Not Even for a Minute!

Should you find a child or pet inside a parked vehicle, call the local police, or dial 911 if they appear in distress.

Passing of a Retired Pasadena PD Colleague and Father to APD Officer

Retired Captain Robert "Bob" Mulhall, Pasadena Police Department, passed away this past weekend. Bob was a long-time PPD member and spent the vast majority of his career in the PPD Air Operations Section. Bob was a pilot for PPD and served many San Gabriel Valley allied agencies in the Foothills Air Support Team (FAST), including Arcadia. Bob was a friend and colleague to many here at APD.

More importantly, Bob was the father of APD Officer Ryan Mulhall. Ryan has been with APD for over a decade, starting his career here as a Police Cadet and later being hired as a Police Officer. Ryan is now a Field Training Officer with APD.

The pictured PPD helicopter was dedicated to Bob back in 2009, with his initials. "RM", being used in the air ship call sign.

Rest easy Bob, you will be missed!