Weekly Activity Highlights for November 28 - December 4, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_11-28.pdf

Arcadia Police Chief Spends Time in the MDA Slammer!

Chief Bob Sanderson was hauled off to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) jail earlier today!  The MDA Judge threw away the key until Chief Sanderson was able to come up with "bail" in support of the MDA.  Lucky for the Chief, many local supporters, friends, family, and co-workers were able to help achieve his goal and raise sufficient bail.  Chief Sanderson was released from the MDA "Lock-Up" at the Arcadia BJ's Restaurant shortly after lunch today.

As of this afternoon, Arcadia Fire Chief Tony Trabbie and Arcadia Police Chief Bob Sanderson led the fundraising effort for this year's Arcadia MDA "Lock-up", raising $2,690 & $2,600 respectively.  The funds raised will help the MDA sponsor summer camp, treatment research, clinics, and much more.  Thanks to all for your support!

Watch Your Packages!

As we have recently warned about and see other reports in the news, a local resident became the latest Arcadia victim of package theft earlier today.  At about 2:52 pm this afternoon, a witness observed a female approach the front porch of a home in the 300 block of West Woodruff Avenue.  The female removed a package from the front porch and left what was later found to be an empty box in its place.  The female left the area in a black Cadillac driven by a male.

The suspects are only described as a female White, 25-28 years old, 5'-02", thin build, and a male African-American with a shaved head.

The ironic part of this crime is that these two suspects were only rewarded with a small amount of anti-aging cream.  This type of theft is likely to continue to occur with the holidays upon us.  Please be extra vigilant and call the police if you see any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Anyone with information is asked to call Arcadia Police Detectives at 626-574-5160. You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by clicking on the "Submit a Tip" button on the APD Blog side bar.

Holiday Season Brings Increased Patrols at the Mall

The holiday season brings with it large crowds at shopping centers throughout the area.  The Westfield Santa Anita Shopping Mall in Arcadia is a popular destination that is filled with shoppers on a daily basis.  The Arcadia Police Department and Westfield Security coordinate and work together to provide additional officers and police presence during the holiday period.  Members of the Arcadia Police Mounted Enforcement Team along with our police officers provide additional uniform patrols on horseback, foot patrol, and in police units throughout the mall property.  Volunteers in Patrol Services (VIPS) also patrol the area as increased visible presence and assist patrol officers with traffic control, parking citations, and other duties as needed.  The Arcadia Auxiliary Communications Service (Ham Watch) also works in conjunction with our officers providing eyes, ears, and instant communication to field units from atop the mall and in the parking lot.  Mall Security provides additional officers on foot and on patrol in the parking lot, along with much needed traffic control during peak periods.  Together, we work to bring you a safe and enjoyable experience.    

Late Night Robbery of Taxi Driver

A taxi driver was flagged down by two males last night at about 11:35 pm on Baldwin Avenue south of Duarte Road.  The males entered the cab and directed the driver to the rear of businesses east of Baldwin.  One of the suspects pointed a revolver at the taxi driver demanding his money and the keys to the taxi.  The driver complied and then was told to get out of the taxi by the suspects.  The driver fled the taxi on foot, leaving the suspects in the vehicle.  A few moments later, a witness saw the suspects walk away from the taxi, eastbound on Naomi Avenue toward Lovell Avenue.  The driver was not harmed and the loss was only cash.

The suspects were both described as male Hispanics, 17-20 years old, wearing dark clothing.  One suspect was tall and "skinny", about 6'-05", wearing a black beanie and gloves.  The second suspect was approximately 5'-05", also "skinny", wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information is asked to call Arcadia Police Detectives at 626-574-5160.  You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by clicking on the "Submit a Tip" button on the APD Blog side bar.

Four Charged in Baldwin Avenue Stabbing

On November 5, 2010 at about 6:50 pm, a 17 year old young man from Arcadia was lured into a physical altercation by a lone suspect, at a business located in the 1000 block of South Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia. The fight moved outside the business toward the parking lot when the suspect was joined by three additional suspects who attacked the victim. The suspects struck, kicked, beat the victim with a pipe-like object, and during the attack, the victim was stabbed twice in the torso. The suspects fled and were not apprehended. The victim was hospitalized and is recovering from his injuries.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Arcadia Detectives conducted follow-up investigation and developed information that led to the arrest of four individuals for this crime. Two adults, Andy Lieu, 18 years old from El Monte, and Jonah Moon, 18 years old from Norwalk, along with two 17 year old juveniles were booked at the Arcadia City Jail on attempted murder charges. The juveniles were from Alhambra and Cypress. Detectives believe that the attack was in retaliation for an altercation that took place earlier in the day in another local city and that both incidents were gang related. All four suspects are believed to be members of a local Asian street gang.

A felony complaint was filed on November 29, 2010 by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office with charges of attempted murder - PC 664/187(a) and criminal street gang enhancements on each of the four suspects. Lieu, Moon, and the two juveniles are being held on $1,000,000.00 bail at Los Angeles County facilities.



Weekly Tip - Parking Lot Survival

The holiday season is upon us!  And with that brings large crowds and parking lots filled with anxious shoppers.  Private property accidents contribute to a number of our calls for service during the holiday season and most of these incidents are avoidable.  Here are some tips to help avoid collisions and other vehicle related incidents on private property;

•Slow down, don't be in a rush. The sales will still be going on when you get there.

•Obey shopping center or mall stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs. They are there for a reason...SAFETY!

•Drive only in marked isles. Avoid driving across the parking lot and watch out for those that are using parking stalls as a short cut.

•Park a little further away. It is probably quicker than driving up and down looking for that perfect spot.

•Look all around before backing out and back SLOWLY from your stall.

•Watch for pedestrians and watch out for yourself while walking in the parking lot.

•Avoid the urge to "beat" the other driver to that one last spot.

•Practice common sense and courtesy. Everyone can be on edge in a crowded parking lot. Give each other a break.

•Leave valuables at home or at least out of sight in your LOCKED vehicle.

•Park only in marked stalls.  Fire lane, red zones, handicap stalls may all be enforced at most shopping centers.

•Always be aware of your surroundings. Park in well lighted areas. Alert store security or the police to suspicious persons or vehicles.