Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Two Battery Incidents Near Schools

(Suspect Sketch)

Incident: Battery / News Release

Contact: Watch Commander
Date and Time of Release: August 26, 2015, 1:00 p.m.


On August 25, 2015, the Arcadia Police Department received two reports of a battery that
occurred in the vicinity of two local school campuses. The first incident occurred on First
Avenue, at approximately 8:55 a.m., near Dana Middle School, located at 1401 S. First Avenue.
The second incident was reported to have occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. in the west
parking lot of the Arcadia High School located at 180 Campus Drive.

Each victim reported a male suspect came up from behind as they were either approaching or
walking away from their vehicle and placed them in a “bear hug” without saying a word. While
being held, the victims felt several pelvic thrusts from behind before being released. The
suspect then ran away from the location. The incidents appear to have been committed by the
same lone suspect based on the descriptions provided by the two victims.

The victims were adult females and they did not suffer any injuries. The suspect was described
as a male of Asian descent, 16 – 20 years old, black hair, clean-shaven, 5’07” tall and “chubby.”
He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with tan shorts.

The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is
encouraged to contact 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: Roy Nakamura, Lieutenant – Detective Bureau Commander

Refer to Cases 15-4171 and 15-4176



Weekly Activity Highlights for August 16 - 22, 2015

Activity Highlights August 16-22, 2015

Weekly Tip - School Traffic Safety Tips & Laws


The Arcadia Police Department wants to remind our residents that students go back to school this week. Remember to allow a little extra time if your travels take you near any of the schools in Arcadia, or if you are taking your kids to school.  The Arcadia Police Department Traffic Bureau hopes this 2015-2016 school year will be exciting and successful. With that in mind, we would like to remind all students and parents of the shared responsibility they have in understanding and obeying traffic laws that help maintain safety in and around our school zones. For this purpose, we have provided a list of the most commonly violated traffic laws in our City’s school zones, allowing you to make a conscious and informed effort to create a safe environment for your fellow students, and or your children.

PARKING LAWS

California Vehicle Code section 21458(a) describes rules for curb markings.

1. RED Curb indicates no stopping, standing, or parking, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended, (No Student Drop Off or Pick Up in Red Zones)

2. YELLOW

Curb indicates stopping for the loading or unloading of passengers or freight (20 Minutes For Material & 3 Minutes For Passengers)

3. WHITE Curb indicates stopping for the loading or unloading of passengers (3 Minutes for Passengers)

4. GREEN Curb indicates time limit parking specified by local ordinance (24 & 30 Minute Zones)

5. BLUE Curb indicates parking limited exclusively to the vehicles of disabled persons


V.C. 22500(H) DOUBLE PARKING

Prohibits stopping, parking, or standing of any attended/unattended vehicle on the roadway side of any vehicle stopped, parked or standing at the curb or edge of a highway (Often seen as parents drop off/pick up children in the lanes of traffic)


V.C. 22500(b) Park in Cross Walk

Prohibits the stopping, parking, or standing of any attended/unattended vehicle in a crosswalk


V.C. 22500(e) Park in Front of Public Drive

Prohibits stopping, parking, or standing of any attended/unattended vehicle in front of a public driveway


V.C. 22500(i) Bus Zone

Prohibits stopping, parking, or standing of any attended/unattended vehicle alongside a curb authorized for the loading and unloading of passengers of a bus, when indicated by a sign or red paint on the curb.


V.C. 22502 Parking Over 18” from Right Hand Side of Curb / Parking on Wrong Side of Street

Every vehicle stopped or parked upon a roadway…shall be stopped or parked with the right hand wheels of such vehicle parallel with and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb, except that motorcycles shall be parked with at least one wheel or fender touching the right-hand curb.


V.C. 22514 Park Near Fire Hydrant

No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. EXCEPT, If the vehicle is attended by a licensed driver who is seated in the front seat and who can immediately move such vehicle in case of necessity.

Side Note—If the curb next to the fire hydrant is painted red, the vehicle stopping or parking to facilitate student pickup or drop off could still be cited for stopping/parking in a red zone



ENFORCEMENT

Officers commonly enforce parking laws in school zones by means of video enforcement. Officers may use video cameras to record violations as they occur and then mail the registered owner of the violating vehicle a citation for the observed violation. It is important to remember that the registered owner is the person receiving the citation, not the driver of the vehicle. The registered owner is responsible to resolve the citation. If parking citations are not cleared, either by dismissal or payment, the registered owner may not be able to renew their vehicle’s registration until the citation has been cleared by the DMV. Vehicles that have five or more citations on file are subject to impound, per California Vehicle Code section 22651(i)(1). The enforcement of parking restrictions and traffic laws in our school zones helps maintain vehicle and pedestrian safety, reminds drivers and pedestrians of their responsibility to share the roadway, and hopefully serves as a deterrent to prevent persons from future rule breaking.



MOVING & NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS


V.C. 22101(d) Disobey Traffic Control Devices (No Left Turn, No Turn on Red, Yield, or No U-turn Signs at an Intersection)

When official traffic control devices are placed as required in subdivision (b) or (c), it shall be unlawful for any driver of a vehicle to disobey the directions of such official traffic control devices


V.C. 21461(a) Failure to Obey a Posted Sign (No left turn, No U-Turn, No Student Drop Off Signs, etc)

It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal, or to fail to obey a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.


V.C. 22103 No U-turn in Residential District

No person in a residential district shall make a U-turn when any other vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.


V.C. 21950(a) Drivers Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk

The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.


V.C. 21950(b) Pedestrian to Exercise Due Care

This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.


V.C. 21950(c) Drivers to Exercise Due Care

The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of pedestrians


V.C. 21954(a) Pedestrians Outside of Crosswalks

Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.


V.C. 21955 Jaywalking

Pedestrians shall not cross the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers. (Example: Duarte Road between Santa Anita & El Monte = Jaywalking)


V.C. 21100.3 Disobey a Crossing Guard

It is unlawful for any person to disobey the traffic directions of a person appointed or authorized by local authority to regulate traffic pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 21000 when such appointee is wearing an official insignia issued by the local authority and is acting in the course of his appointed duties.


V.C. 22350 Unsafe Speed (School Zone)

When signs are posted for a “School Zone—When Children Present”, the speed limit is reduced to 25 MPH. This applies whenever children are present (Before, During & After School).


V.C. 23123(a) Talking on Cell Phone While Driving (18 + = Adult) & V.C. 23124 Cell Phone Under 18 Yrs.

Adult shall not drive a vehicle while using a wireless telephone, unless hands free. Minors may not use cell or hands free device.


V.C. 23123.5 Texting While Driving

A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communication device to write, send or read texts.


H&S 118948(a) Smoking in Vehicle

It is unlawful for a person to smoke a pipe, cigar, or cigarette in a motor vehicle, whether in motion or at rest, in which there is a minor (someone under 18 years old). For the purpose of this section, “To smoke” means to have in one’s immediate possession a lighted pipe, cigar, or cigarette containing tobacco or any other plant.


SEATBELT LAWS

The driver and all occupants of a moving vehicle must properly wear safety belts, as they were designed to be worn. The shoulder strap must be worn over shoulders, not under.


V.C. 21212(a) Helmet Laws

Persons under 18 years of age must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet for bicycles, skateboards, roller


Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Up in Smoke?


Ever wonder what happens to marijuana and other drugs seized in cases? After cases have been adjudicated or Detectives have obtained court orders to destroy the items, we will work with local trash facilities to safely, and properly dispose of the drugs.


The majority is burned at the facility inside high heat burners with filtering, in order to destroy the property, but not release it into the air. Detectives will escort the items, still in police custody, and will place them inside the facility, witnessing the property destruction as it goes up in "smoke."


APD disposed of a truckload full of marijuana and other drugs, in excess of 1,000 pounds, last week. Here are a couple of pics of the event.

Labor Day Crackdown on Drunk Driving

                                                                                
  
                                        
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                         August 24, 2015

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

The Arcadia Police Department Will Be Out In Full Force To
Catch Drunk Drivers

As summer winds down, the Arcadia Police Department is ramping up its enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on drunk driving. The 18-day, high-visibility campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, is a partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety to curb impaired driving and save lives.  August 21-September 7 (Labor Day), law enforcement partners in Los Angeles County, across the state and nationwide will show zero tolerance for drunk driving.  Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with checkpoints and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce the toll of drunk driving.

And what a toll it is. In 2013, there were 10,076 people killed in drunk–driving crashes, almost a third of all traffic fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  In California, 867 died in drunk driving collisions according to NHTSA.  Thirty-eight percent of crash fatalities on Labor Day weekend that year involved drunk drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. And we’re not just talking about a little bit of alcohol, either. More than a quarter (27 percent) of the crash fatalities that occurred on Labor Day weekend involved drivers with BACs of .15 or higher – almost twice the illegal limit.

The Arcadia Police Department kicks off Saturday, August 29, 2015 by deploying special DUI Saturation Patrols.  DUI enforcement will continue through Monday, September 7th with a DUI/CDL checkpoint the night of September 4, 2015.

NHTSA data shows that repeat offenders are an especially dangerous facet of the drunk-driving problem. In the month of August from 2009-2013, of the drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes, almost 1 out of 10 (8 percent) of them had already been convicted of at least one drunk-driving offense.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) 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 will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role.  They 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. 

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. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects. 

So this August and year-round, remember that there’s no excuse for drunk or impaired driving. If you choose to break the law, police sheriff and CHP officials will see you before you see them. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Funding for this special campaign is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone; Report Drunk Drivers! – Call 9-1-1.

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









Thursday, August 20, 2015

Armed Robbery in Mall Parking Lot, Second Incident in August

Incident: Armed Robbery

Date and Time of Release: August 20, 2015, 8:30 a.m.
Contact:  Watch Commander – (626) 574-5156

On Wednesday, August 19, 2015, around 9:24 p.m., the Arcadia Police Department responded to the west side of Nordstroms located at 400 S. Baldwin Avenue, Westfield Santa Anita Mall, on an unknown trouble call.  Officers contacted the victim of a robbery who advised that she was hit over the head with a black semi-automatic handgun and robbed of her purse and cellular phone.  The suspect then ran to an awaiting vehicle where he joined a second suspect. The vehicle then fled southbound through the parking lot out of sight.

The suspect was described as a tall, skinny, male, wearing a hoody. The victim was unable to describe the second suspect, however, described the getaway vehicle as a silver or grey, small SUV.

A similar robbery occurred in the south parking lot of the Westfield Santa Anita Mall on August 4, 2015, at about 10:11 p.m. A male victim was robbed at gunpoint after approaching his car. The suspect made off with the victim’s wallet and cell phone. The primary suspect was described as an African American male in his 20’s, about 5’10”, with a thin build, with a bandana covering his face. He ran off with another unknown male, out of sight. No suspect vehicle was seen in this robbery and the victim was not injured.

Anyone with information on either of these incidents is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5151.  If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the tippage at Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers.

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By:       Sergeant Brett Bourgeous

            Detective Bureau


These events serve as a good reminder to be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are leaving or in a parking lot, try and walk in groups or ask for an escort if leaving work or a business. Call local law enforcement should you see anything or anyone suspicious.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Weekly Tip - Arcadia Schools Open Next Week



Arcadia schools are back in session next week: Arcadia High School on Wednesday, August 26th and the elementary/middle schools return on Thursday, August 27th. The Arcadia Unified School District calendars can be found HERE. This means we need to be aware of the children during our commutes throughout the day. Allow extra time for your drive if you pass near a school. Traffic will be heavier than normal during the first few weeks of school as parents grow accustomed to drop-off and pick-up routes for our schools. Be part of the solution, not the problem!


•Slow down!

•Allow extra time for your travel.

•Be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists.

•Don't double park or violate parking restrictions!

HERE is a list of School Zone Traffic Laws.

Weekly Activity Highlights for August 9 - 15, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_8.9.15.pdf

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Mother Arrested for Kidnapping at Union Station - Child Found Safe


On Saturday, August 15, 2015 around 8:37 p.m., Arcadia Police responded to the call of a missing 3-year-old at Westfield Santa Anita Mall, located at 400 S. Baldwin Avenue.  Officers contacted the reporting party who is the great-aunt, who stated that the paternal mother only has visitation.  While at the mall, the paternal mother found the child and took him from the mall. The child was last seen in the company of the mother at a bus stop in the mall parking lot.

A broadcast of the description and crime was made to area law enforcement. Hours later, early Sunday morning, August 16, 2015, at approximately 2:20 a.m., a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff located the child and mother at Union Station in Los Angeles.  The child was in good condition and unharmed.  The mother, suspect Melissa Barrios, was arrested for kidnapping and was booked at the Arcadia Police Department jail with a bail amount set at $150,000.00.  

A great job by all involved and a big thanks to our partners at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department!

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Sierra Madre Man Arrested for Attempted Arson

(Watson, Ronald)

On Saturday, August 15, 2015 around 7:30 a.m., Arcadia Police responded to the call of a suspicious person on the property of the U.S. Forestry Headquarters. Officers contacted a subject who had matches in his pocket and had gathered kindling, twigs, and sticks and stacked them underneath a large tree to start a fire. Officers arrested the subject for attempted arson and identified him as 59-year old Ronald Watson of Sierra Madre, who was also on parole for arson. Watson was booked at the Arcadia Police Department jail and is currently being held in custody at L.A. County jail without bail. 

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5151. If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the tip web page at Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers. 


Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police 

By: Colleen Flores, Lieutenant (15-4006)

Friday, August 14, 2015

WANTED for Theft by Deceit - Fix Your Car Scam


The man pictured (left and below) is suspected of stealing cash in a "fix your car" scam from a 90-year-old male victim yesterday.

The victim was entering his car after walking out of Ralph's Market on West Huntington Drive near Sunset Boulevard, when the suspect entered the car on the passenger side. The suspect said he worked for a car manufacturer and told the victim he noticed a problem with his car door, that he (the suspect) could fix for a cash payment. The suspect reached under the dash and pulled out a "black chip" which he then replaced, claiming he fixed the car. The victim drove to a nearby bank with the suspect, withdrew the money, and paid the suspect. The victim then dropped the suspect off in the market parking lot. This crime occurred between 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2015.

The suspect is described as a male, unknown race, about 50 years old, 5'-07", medium build, and spoke with a foreign, possibly middle eastern, accent.

This form of "fix your car" or repair scam is not new. Please warn elderly folks and relatives about the dangers of this type of scam and help prevent this from happening to someone else.

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). Refer case #15-3972.




Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Weekly Tip - Got Waste? Household Hazardous and E-Waste Event in Arcadia this Saturday!


The County of Los Angeles will be hosting a Countywide Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection, this Saturday, August 15, 2015, inside Gate 6 at the Santa Anita Race Track, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Enter off Colorado Place, just south of Colorado Boulevard)

CleanLA has a great website with complete information on what you can and should bring to the roundup. Items like paint, motor oil, bleach, old computers, are all accepted at the roundup. If you have items that you believe are too toxic to trash, you are probably correct. Visit the CleanLA website for accepted items. Remember to wipe all personal information from electronics and return them to stock condition in order to help protect yourself from identity theft.


Thursday, August 6, 2015

Missing Person - Barbara Jean Joseph

UPDATE: Located safely, August 7, 2015


On Wednesday, August 5, 2015, Arcadia Police received a call of a missing person. Barbara Jean Joseph was last seen at the Arcadia Methodist Hospital on July 26, 2015. Barbara left the hospital prior to being seen by a physician and has not been seen since. It is unknown why Barbara went to the hospital. Barbara has a history of psychological disorders and has attempted suicide numerous times in the past. Barbara is a 44-year old Caucasian female, 5’7”, 150 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what type of clothing Barbara was wearing when she was last seen and she does not have a vehicle. 


Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5151. If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the tip web page at Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Weekly Tip - Suicide Prevention


It is not a daily occurrence to respond on calls of this nature, but we do deal with persons who may be depressed or have contemplated suicide often enough to offer prevention information on suicide. Below are some warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide, offered by the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center here in Los Angeles County:



Warning Signs and Risk Factors

- Developing a specific plan for suicide (the number one predictor of suicide risk)
- Threatening suicide, expressing suicidal feelings directly or bringing up the topic of suicide
- Signs of depression: loss of pleasure, sad mood, alterations in sleeping or eating patterns, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, agitation, feelings of failure or shame
- Giving away prized possessions, settling affairs, making out a will
- Changes in behavior (poor work or school performance)
- Risky behaviors
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Social isolation

Risk Factors

- Having attempted suicide in the past
- Having lost a loved one to suicide
- A recent loss or threat of loss, for example: the death of a loved one or an idol/role model; divorce, separation, or a broken relationship; the loss of a job, a house, a business, money, or social status; loss of health to serious, progressive, or painful illness; diminished self-esteem or self-confidence
- Losing all hope in the future ("Things will never get better"; "Life feels like an open sore that’s never going to heal")


Here is a list of suicide hotlines for California, posted by Suicide.org. Scroll down the page for several numbers in Los Angeles County. Don't ignore warning signs! If you or someone you know needs help, call a hotline immediately. If it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.