Man Arrested in Serial Robbery Case

On Wednesday, June 8, 2011, a Subway Restaurant located in the 200 block of East Live Oak Avenue, Arcadia, was robbed at gunpoint by a lone male suspect. Officers believed that the suspect was possibly responsible for two robberies earlier that afternoon in the City of El Monte, as well as an additional crime in neighboring Temple City.

The suspect was tentatively identified through use of departmental resources by Arcadia personnel and a joint agency investigation was initiated. Through efforts led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect was ultimately arrested on June 16, 2011.

The arrest of this serial robbery suspect is a great example of the cooperative efforts and teamwork demonstrated between law enforcement agencies.

The following information is from the LASD and details the arrest and subsequent filing of charges against the suspect:

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department detectives assigned to the Major Crimes Bureau presented evidence today at the El Monte Superior Courthouse against an El Monte man for a series of armed robberies which occurred over the past several weeks in the San Gabriel Valley. Subsequently, the El Monte branch of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office filed nine counts of Armed Robbery against 32-year old Anselmo Rincon.

Sheriff's Department detectives worked with officers from the Arcadia, Covina and El Monte Police Departments to identify and arrest Rincon for the robberies.

Rincon was arrested by Sheriff's personnel at about 2:30PM on June 16, 2011, at a gas station in the 3200 block of Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte, for Robbery and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing will be held at a future date at the Pomona Superior Courthouse.

Rincon used a replica firearm to commit the robberies, which were conducted primarily at Subway restaurants and dry cleaning stores. The replica firearm Rincon used in the robberies was found in the car he used at the time of his arrest.

"This collaborative effort to arrest Rincon has taken a dangerous criminal off the streets of our communities," said Sheriff's Lieutenant Chris Brackpool. "His robberies were becoming more frequent in recent days and the danger he presented was escalating."

Sergeant Michael Thomas

Deputy Lillian Peck

Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

(323) 267-4800

www.lasd.org

trl/376

Wanted for Commercial Burglary

Back on June 9, 2011, the two suspects in the above photos gained entry to Domenico's Restaurant, 251 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, at about 4:20 am.  Once inside the restaurant, they pried and kicked an office door open and rummaged through the office.  The pair of suspects left quickly with nothing in hand, presumably due to an alarm activation at the restaurant.

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.

Happy Father's Day 2011

The Arcadia Police Department would like to wish a Happy Father's Day to all dads!

"Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever."  ~Author Unknown

Survey for Improving Parking in Downtown Arcadia

Click on the above photo and link to a City survey that seeks input from your personal experiences and expectations for parking in the downtown area.  The City and local business leaders are working together to help shape the future of our downtown business district.  Let your voice be part of the planning.

Weekly Tip - Radar, Laser, or Pace?

Every so often, someone will tell me that they were issued a citation for speeding and then ask my opinion on whether or not they should fight the ticket.  The first question I ask is, "How did the officer catch you?" Many citations issued for speed in Arcadia involve the use of a laser or lidar unit.  If their answer is that the officer used a laser, my best advice is for the person to attend traffic school.

Officers are required to attend certified training on use of a radar or laser device prior to conducting speed enforcement with those tools. Daily, the officer checks that the equipment is properly functioning through a series of internal and external tests, depending on the device. That monitoring of the equipment continues throughout the tour of duty. Both devices are used to confirm the officer's visual observation. The individual device is tested and checked for proper calibration by a certified technician annually or every three years depending on policy and law.

Every situation is different and there are many factors in play when it comes to a speeding ticket. CVC 40802 defines "speed trap" and gives requirements for speed surveys, roadway widths, officer and equipment certification and more. A citation based on a "pace" does not fall under these guidelines. In my experience, a pace is based on the officer's observation, distance, speed and should be by use of a speedometer that has been checked for calibration. A "pace" is basically fancy term for following you at a given speed.

A radar device sends out a cone shaped beam that bounces off a target. Many factors can influence the speed return such as distance, size and speed of the objects, weather, roadway conditions and other factors. Radar has been around for a long time, is tested and is reliable. However, use of a radar requires the officer to continuously monitor the conditions and base the speed return on his/her visual observations. The radar unit will display speed only, it does not measure distance. The officer's testimony should include their observations as well as a tracking history.

The laser or lidar device is far more vehicle specific than the radar. The laser delivers a very narrow beam that is directed/aimed at a specific vehicle. The device will display both the speed of the vehicle as well as the distance that the reading was obtained. A speed laser device is extremely accurate when used properly.  Most officers will "lock" in the speed return on the device display. You may ask to see the equipment and most officers will take the time to not only show you, but may also explain the use of the device to you.

If you receive a citation, you have several ways to take care of the ticket:

•Paying the fine at the court, by mail, or on-line depending on the jurisdiction.

•Contesting the citation (fighting the ticket) in person or by use of the "Trial by Declaration" (written) process.

•Attending "Traffic School". You will still pay a fine, but the citation is dismissed with no point on your driving record.

Simply paying the citation fine is your worst option, in my opinion. You are out the fine and it is an automatic point on your record. Contesting the citation on a speeding ticket is difficult. If you lose, it is a fine and a point. If you plan on appearing; do your homework, be certain of your case, dress and act professionally, don't argue, don't get overly technical, but do present a well thought out defense. Most courts will not allow attending traffic school after trial. If you plan on fighting the cite in hopes that the officer does not show up...it is a role of the dice. Our personnel are subject to discipline if they fail to show in court. Traffic school is the safest route, although you still pay the fine, your license is spared the point.  If you truly believe that you are correct and the officer has erred or is wrong, contest the citation. Otherwise, my best advice...attend traffic school.

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 5-11, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6-5.pdf

2011 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is an annual event where Law Enforcement throughout the world run with the "Flame of Hope" bringing awareness and support to Special Olympics. The Arcadia Police Department is proud to participate in the event, taking the hand-off of the torch near Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue from the Monrovia Police Department. Our personnel carry the torch west on Huntington Drive, south on Santa Anita Avenue, and turn west on Las Tunas Drive, ultimately handing off the torch to Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Temple Station, near Baldwin Avenue.

The torch reached Arcadia at about 10:30 am this morning where 7 members of APD carried on this tradition for a very worthy cause.  Thanks to all our runners and support personnel for their participation!  Be sure to visit our Arcadia Police Department Facebook Page for additional photos.