Saturday, April 29, 2017
Deputy David March, You Are Not Forgotten!
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Trending in Arrests/Crime
Driving under the influence appears to have played a key role in an Assault with a Deadly Weapon incident that took place on April 20th. A little after 10:00 p.m. a suspect backed into a parked vehicle at the Arco Gas Station at Baldwin Avenue and Las Tunas Drive. The suspect initially got out and spoke with the driver of the vehicle he struck. A verbal argument took place and the suspect threatened the other driver. The suspect got back into his vehicle and began to drive in circles around the gas pump island and other vehicle, screeching the tires. He then turned his car and appeared to intentionally strike the passenger side of the still parked victim vehicle as the first APD unit arrived at the gas station.
The suspect pulled away, circling the gas pump island and victim again at speed, then pulling out of the lot as the police unit attempted to stop the suspect. The suspect failed to yield and the officer pursued the vehicle southbound on Baldwin Avenue. At Lower Azusa Road, the suspect drove onto the sidewalk and then back into the roadway, losing control of the car. The suspect became involved in a collision with 5 other vehicles stopped for the signal at Baldwin and Lower Azusa. The suspect got out of his car, was uncooperative with officers, failed to follow instructions, resisted arrest, and was ultimately taken into custody.
Li Guanrong, a 33-year-old male from San Gabriel, was arrested and booked at the Arcadia City Jail on felony charges, including Driving Under the Influence.
Please report Drunk Drivers. If you encounter someone you believe to be driving under the influence, dial 9-1-1 and provide the vehicle information, location and direction to dispatchers. Be a good witness!
Anyone with information on this case or other cases is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5156. Or, if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Weekly Tip - Be Safe While Out Walking!
Warmer weather, daylight saving time, summer approaching, are all reasons more pedestrians are hitting the road in the early mornings and evenings. It is important to practice good walking and running safety as a pedestrian. Many factors impact whether or not drivers will see pedestrians. Some vision obscurements and lighting conditions are not controlled by the pedestrian, but we can greatly enhance our safety and visibility with some proactive steps:
- Wear light/bright colored clothing, preferably clothing with reflective strips or perhaps a safety vest.
- Carry a lighted flashlight when walking at night.
- Use sidewalks when available.
- Walk facing traffic so you can see cars approaching.
- If walking or running in the roadway, stay out of traffic lanes - it is unsafe and possibly unlawful.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets, additional lanes, or driveways.
- Never assume drivers will stop or yield - walk defensively.
- If you must have music or talk on your phone, use only one earpiece and keep the volume down. Listen for traffic!
- Be aware of your surroundings and practice personal safety!
- Vary your routes so you are not predictable.
- Avoid dimly lit roads, alleys, and areas.
- Carry identification and a cell phone.
- Walk with a partner or friend.
- Don't approach vehicles stopping near you or in your path.
- Consider personal safety items such as pepper spray.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Trending in Arrests/Crime
Last week, APD released video clips of two suspects wanted for Attempt Residential Burglary. Local media posted the clips and suspect information on television, online, and other news sources. The pair were involved in a "Knock-knock" style, nighttime, attempted residential burglary back on April 1st. The female suspect rang the door bell and when no one answered, the male suspect kicked open the front door, activating the residence audible alarm. The pair fled in a dark colored vehicle, possibly a Toyota Prius. During the commission of the crime, the male suspect appeared to be holding a handgun in his right hand.
Katrina R. Anthony, a 21-year-old female from Highland, turned herself in to Arcadia Police Detectives after becoming aware of her photo being shown by the media. APD had also received tip information identifying Anthony as the possible suspect. Anthony was booked on a felony charge at the Arcadia City Jail and later released after posting bond. The male suspect has yet to be identified.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Weekly Tip - Spring Brings Out the Wildlife
It's that time of year, Spring is in the air and wildlife are starting to become more active. As temperatures begin to warm up, residents in the foothills will begin to see more and more wildlife activity. It's normal to see deer, bears, bobcats, and even the occasional mountain lion in the residential areas of the northern part of Arcadia.
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 warmer months.
Foothill residents should be alert for wildlife in their neighborhoods and take the following actions to reduce activity in their area:
- Secure trash cans in an enclosure if possible
- Harvest ripened fruit from trees
- DO NOT FEED the bears
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
For additional tips and information, please visit the California Department of Fish & Wildlife at: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Bear
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Happy Easter 2017
Wishing the best to everyone during this Easter holiday. In addition to all those on the road for the holiday weekend, many schools are out for spring break. Take care on the roads and travel safely. Happy Easter!
Friday, April 14, 2017
Robbery Suppression Patrols in Arcadia This Weekend
This past Wednesday, we posted about recent area robberies occurring in Arcadia and surrounding communities. Most of the robberies have occurred in the evening hours with some unsuspecting victims possibly being followed home. Always be aware of your surroundings, including while driving. If you believe your are being followed by a vehicle, don't drive to your home. Instead, make your way to your local police station if possible, or at minimum, a well-lighted, busy business where there are other people. Remain in your locked vehicle and call the police. Awareness and Avoidance are two of your best tools in personal safety.
The Arcadia Police Department will be deploying suppression patrols this weekend during evening hours. Both additional officers in marked units, along with members of our Investigations Section in unmarked units will be on the streets. Please remember to be a good witness and if you See Something suspicious, Say Something!Thursday, April 13, 2017
Dispatcher Appreciation Week 2017
The week of April 9-15, 2017 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Appreciation week, also known as Dispatcher Appreciation Week. Our dispatchers are the ones who answer most of the incoming calls to the department, answer all the 911 calls, and relay important information to our officers in the field.
Dispatchers are the ones behind the scene, who are often not recognized for their work. They are the ones who answer when you dial 911 when you need help. They are a calm voice in that moment of need, and the ones who get the information to tell first responders where they are needed.
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.
On behalf of the Arcadia Police Department, we say “thank you.” Thank you to all the public safety telecommunicators and dispatchers out there. And of course, we say a special “thank you” to our dispatchers.
Trending in Arrests/Crime
During the early morning hours on April 5th, two suspects were seen, by an alert resident, possibly burglarizing cars in a rear car port in the 800 block Fairview Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, both suspects immediately took off on foot. Additional officers set up a "containment" and during an area search, both suspects were found in bushes at a nearby apartment complex. Officers found property on the suspects that had been taken from the auto burglaries, along with keys to a vehicle they had stolen earlier in their crime spree from the 1100 block Fairview Avenue.
Detectives believe the pair is responsible for multiple vehicle burglaries, thefts from unlocked vehicles, and grand theft autos, which occurred in the same neighborhood in the two days prior to the arrests.
Moises Verduzco, 25-year-old from Los Angeles, and Walter Martinez, 25-year-old from El Monte, were both booked at the Arcadia City Jail on multiple felony charges. Martinez is also currently on Parole.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Weekly Tip - Recent Area Robberies, Be Aware and Alert
Our personal safety is something we should always be considering. As you can see from the CrimeMapping.com screen shot above, there have been a number of area street and residential robberies in the last four weeks. With this in mind, there is no better time for a Personal Safety reminder. Here are some tips and thoughts on steps you can take to help maintain your personal safety:
•Awareness & Avoidance - Not enough can be said for being aware of your surroundings. It does not matter where you are, at home, out shopping, driving, at the park, DO NOT settle into a fog and become so involved in your task that you fail to look around. Scan the area before you head out. Look around and see what potential threats may be looming. Are there suspicious persons parked by your car? Is there a car approaching slowly from behind or following you? If you see something that makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, walk away, return to the store, and report the activity and your observations to security or store staff.
•Be a Good Witness - If you see a crime or fall victim, be the best witness you can be. Without good suspect descriptions it is difficult for police to conduct follow-up, apprehend criminals, and hopefully, help prevent others from becoming future victims. Basic physical descriptions such as hair color and style, height, weight and build, clothing color and type, suspect vehicle description and license plate, direction of travel, are all things that a responding police officer will ask for. Try and make note of anything specific to the suspect such as tattoos, scars, piercings or perhaps damage in a particular location on a suspect vehicle.
•Consider the Stakes - If this is a property crime and you are in fear for your safety, give up the purse, the wallet, the car. Your personal well-being is much more valuable than your property. Property can be replaced, you can't.
•Don't be a Target - Walk with a purpose and look about surveying your surroundings. Carry your keys and whistle in your hand, not buried in your purse. This allows you to immediately open your vehicle or set off your car alarm if needed. Keep your purse tucked under your shoulder, not dangling down or sitting unattended in a cart.
Query the topic of personal safety on-line. There are many quality sites that offer additional advice and products that can bolster your safety. Best overall advice...Awareness and Avoidance!
Subscribe to CrimeMapping.com for updates of criminal activity in your area. Stay informed.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
APD Recognized by the US Postal Inspection Service
The Arcadia Police Department has always had a great working relationship with our law enforcement colleagues, including the United States Postal Inspection Service. Today, the Assistant Inspector In Charge of the US Postal Inspection Service, Los Angeles, Eric Shen, and Postal Inspector Kimberly Granger paid APD a visit to recognize our staff for exceptional service and assistance in prosecuting cases in collaboration with the Postal Inspection Service. Over the course of the last year, APD has joined Postal Inspectors to successfully prosecute a number of cases involving mail theft, package theft, and fraud. From the work of our Patrol Officers, Evidence Technicians, and in particular, Detective "CJ" Clark and Detective Sergeant Brett Bourgeous, the local office wanted to recognize our efforts. Pictured L to R are Captain Paul Foley, Detective Lieutenant Colleen Flores, Assistant Inspector In Charge Eric Shen, Postal Inspector Kimberly Granger, Detective "CJ" Clark, Detective Sergeant Brett Bourgeous, and Evidence Technician Emily Hess.
Officer and Civilian of the Year for 2016
Officer Jordan Elders was recently recognized as Arcadia Police Department Officer of the Year 2016. For the last year and a half, Jordan has taken a lead role in addressing a growing transient population in Arcadia with the focus being on assistance and health. Jordan collaborated with local hospital staff and area law enforcement to obtain medical treatment, mental health assistance, and even relocation. In one particular case, Jordan was able to reunite a woman with her family in Pennsylvania where she remains to date, happy and sober. Captain Larry Goodman, Officer Jordan Elders, and Sergeant Brian Ortiz are pictured.
The Arcadia Police Department Civilian of the Year 2016 was awarded to Records Manager Audree Luevano. Audree received the highest number of nominations this year with all of them citing her hard and continuous work throughout the year in coordinating our transition into our new Records Management System. From selection, to implementation, to training, and updating…Audree’s work with our new Records Management System is both appreciated, and something we will all benefit from for many years to come. Records Manager Audree Luevano and Chief Bob Guthrie are pictured below.
We are proud of both Jordan and Audree and wish to congratulate both on their awards!
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Traffic Information for Santa Anita Derby Day 5K
The Annual Santa Anita Derby Day 5K Run & Walk will be held on Saturday, April 8th, 2017. As a result of this event, vehicles driving on Baldwin Avenue between Huntington Drive and Foothill Boulevard will be delayed or diverted from 7:00 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.
Questions or concerns may be directed to Sergeant Brian Ortiz 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. Additional event information can be found at the official Derby Day 5K website HERE.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Weekly Tip - April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
WORKING TOGETHER TO STOP DISTRACTED DRIVING
April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness
Month. In California, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the Arcadia
Police Department, CHP, local law enforcement, and community partners
throughout the state are working together to make the roads safer by highlighting
the dangers of being distracted while driving, especially by cell phones.
“Law enforcement would rather see everyone off their cell
phones than hand out a lot of tickets,” said Rhonda Craft, director of the
Office of Traffic Safety. “Take care of calling, texting, setting your
GPS and everything else before you hit the street.”
Lawmakers agree that distracted driving continues to be a
growing problem among California’s motorists. Assembly Bill 1785 went
into effect on January 1, requiring all drivers in California to keep their
cell phone out of their hands while operating a motor vehicle. Under the
new law, a driver may activate or deactivate a feature or function of the cell
phone or wireless communication device by swiping or tapping its screen only if
it is properly mounted or not being held in a driver’s hand. Specific
information on the new law can be found at www.ots.ca.gov.
The Office of Traffic Safety will begin a new public awareness campaign throughout the state in April emphasizing how the new law
makes virtually all hand-held cell phone activity illegal – talking, texting,
and using apps The campaign aims to end distracted driving through education
and raise awareness about the associated dangers. The goal is to change
motorist behaviors and save lives, not just in the month of April but
year-round.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
reports that 3,477 people were killed and an estimated 391,000 injured in motor
vehicle collisions involving distracted drivers in 2015. That is a 9 percent
increase in fatalities as compared to the previous year.
The Arcadia Police Department will join other law
enforcement agencies throughout the state to provide educational experiences as
well as zero tolerance enforcement efforts to discourage distracted
driving. Officers will have a special emphasis this month on enforcing
all cell phone and distracted driving laws. The goal is to gain voluntary
compliance by drivers, but sometimes citations are necessary for motorists to
better understand the importance of driving distraction free.
Throughout the month of April, the Arcadia Police Department
will be deploying extra traffic officers, with grant-funded resources, for the
purpose of distracted driving enforcement. Violators will be stopped and cited
with fines set at $162 for first time offenders. This campaign is funded
by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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