News Release - ADW/Stabbing

Incident: Assault with a Deadly Weapon - Stabbing
Date and Time of Release: August 19, 2012, 4:30 a.m.

The Arcadia Police Department had officers at a local hospital in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 19, 2012 on a prior investigation.

The officers saw a victim of a stabbing brought in by family members. Officers contacted the victim, a 43-year-old male Hispanic from Arcadia, while he was being treated for several stab wounds to his chest, back, and left arm. The victim said he was exercising at Eisenhower Park, in Arcadia, when he came across a male and female arguing. He intervened and stopped the argument. As the victim was walking away, he was rushed from behind and felt what he described as a poke on his back. The victim turned around and the suspect stabbed the victim in the chest. The victim put up his left arm in an attempt to defend from being stabbed again, but the suspect slashed the victims’ arm. The suspect then ran off into the park. The victim said he did not see what the suspect used to stab him, but believes it was a knife. The victim said the stabbing took place sometime after midnight on Sunday August 19, 2012.

The victim described the suspect as a male Hispanic in his thirties with dark short hair and a thin beard with no mustache. The suspect was further described as being 5’10 weighing 140 pounds with a medium build. The suspect was wearing dark colored jeans with a long sleeve red shirt and had a black backpack on.

The investigation is continuing by Arcadia Police Department Detectives. Anyone with information related to this case 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).

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Lieutenant Mike Castro
Operations Division

Refer Case #12-3794

Weekly Tip - Pedestrians, Crosswalks, & Right-of-Way

A common concern that comes to the attention of the Traffic Bureau is drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrian actions as well as drivers actions are governed by the Vehicle Code. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, even when there is no marked crosswalk. Use caution when approaching a crosswalk and if you have time to safely stop, yield to the pedestrian waiting to cross. Remember, if the pedestrian has made eye contact with you, they are probably ready to cross. If the roadway is divided, allow the pedestrian to walk past the center line or median before pulling through. If it is an undivided roadway, allow the pedestrian to walk well past the half way point in the road. Always check the curbs and look to see if someone is "darting" off the curb or entering the crosswalk late. Drivers and pedestrians both need to exercise caution and courtesy. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Approach with caution and make sure the roadway and crosswalk have cleared.

Turning traffic at intersections is also dangerous for pedestrians. Even though you may have a green as a driver, you must still yield to pedestrians. Drivers making right turns must look and allow the pedestrian to step off on the green. Drivers making left turns across the intersection must make sure that not only is oncoming traffic clear, but that there are not pedestrians in the crosswalk in the path of their turn. Again, use courtesy and common sense. If the ped is well across the intersection or past the median point, you may complete your turn. If the ped is approaching you or on your side of the roadway, YIELD to them!

The DMV has a page dedicated to right of way rules regarding pedestrians, crosswalks, and other situations. Take a look for additional information.

Pedestrians outside of a crosswalk or unmarked intersection are also held responsible by the Vehicle Code. The pedestrian may only cross the road when safe to do so and must yield to traffic. The pedestrian may not cross between two signalized intersections. This is what is known as "jaywalking".

New Patch for APD Uniforms

You won't see yellow or gold thread on shoulder patches of  Arcadia Police Officers any longer.  Our uniform standards were updated and changes were implemented this past Sunday, August 12, 2012.  The most notable difference is in color modifications to the uniform patch, from the bright multi-color threads to the more subtle, silver and black color scheme.  The last major change to the Arcadia Police Department shoulder patch came decades ago when the City of Arcadia became known as the "Community of Homes", formerly named the "Queen City".  The patches for all sworn and full-time  members have been changed and the older style shoulder patch will be phased out for our volunteer staff in the near future.

Arcadia Police Officers have worn dark blue uniforms since late 1986 when the Department swapped out the tan uniform for a more industry standard blue.  Other uniform modifications over the years have included several badge changes from the old style "eagle" badge to a more contemporary shield, as well as a centennial star badge worn in 2003.

This type of change is not done overnight.  A committee of personnel representing both sworn and non-sworn members of the Department worked in excess of a year to make recommendations for both physical and policy modifications for our uniforms.  Uniformity, safety, cost, accessibility, and tradition were some of the many considerations made by the group and by Chief Bob Guthrie.  Congrats and thank you on a job well done!

(Shift change, Sunday, August 12, 2012, retirement of gold/yellow shoulder patch.)

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 29 - August 4, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_7.29.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Stop Signs

How many times a day do you come upon a stop sign? Stop signs are everywhere in our community and are sometimes ignored or not adhered to properly by drivers. California Vehicle Code (CVC) section 22450 defines the requirement for stop signs in California. The law is fairly simple; if there is a stop sign posted with a limit line, stop at the limit line. If there is no limit line, but there is a crosswalk, stop at the line prior to entering the crosswalk. If there are no lines in the street, stop even with the stop sign before entering the intersection or making a turn.

One of the most common statements by a driver after being stopped for running a stop sign is that they did stop. The first questions to ask yourself as a driver in that situation are: "Where did I stop?" and "Did I come to a complete stop?" Our local court has made it clear and says that a driver must stop at the limit line, stop sign or crosswalk, and not a car length back or beyond the line.

Other common stopping violations include: failing to stop when turning, a rolling stop, and following the car in front of you through a stop sign when in traffic. Each vehicle is required to come to a full and complete stop. Don't sneak through on a turn or next to the car in the other lane. A lawful and complete stop is not a "California roll". A complete stop is when there is a complete "cessation" of movement. Please adhere to stop signs and recognize that they are in place for your safety and the safety of all other persons on the road.

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 22-28, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_7.22.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Install Your License Plates

California law requires all registered vehicles that were issued two license plates, properly display both plates on the vehicle. Basically, all street legal cars are required to have two plates. Many times, vehicles may be purchased from dealerships that do not install a front license plate mount to the vehicle. This is not an excuse for failing to properly display and mount the license plate. A driver may be stopped and cited for not having license plates properly displayed.  Some communities, like Arcadia, issue parking citations to vehicles that are parked without plates properly affixed. Simply having the plate in your car or tossing it on the dash board does not suffice. Please install your license plates according to CVC 5200 and CVC 5201.  The law was modified in 2011 to also require the plates be mounted so that the characters are upright and display from left to right.  Take a look at the links provided for specific language from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.