Arrest of Interest/Crime Trends

Two weeks in a row, we have had a significant identity theft related arrest. An officer working burglary suppression late this past Tuesday night, May 9th, came across an occupied car with no license plates parked in front of a home in the 300 block Monte Vista Drive. APD units stopped the car when it pulled away and contacted the driver. The officers saw credit cards, mail, and open packages in the vehicle. Investigation by the officers found the items to be in different names from the area and outside the city. The driver also had issued driver's licenses in two different names but with his picture. Checks, money transfer receipts, social security numbers, and other items related to identity theft were found in the car.

Jun Kuai, a 30-year-old "transient" was arrested and booked at the Arcadia City Jail on multiple felony charges.

After follow-up, Detectives believe Suspect Kuai was able to fraudulently obtain in excess $20,000.00 loss from various victims through assorted means.

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. 

Weekly Activity Highlights for April 30 - May 6, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=9789

Weekly Tip - Motorcycle Licensing and Safety

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Here is a post offering some tips on motorcycle safety and education.

Summer time, gas prices, both are reasons why many people turn to a motorcycle for their daily commute. Motorcycles can save time and fuel cost, but without proper training and practice, the rider can be much more prone to becoming involved in a collision compared to driving a car. California law requires that a motorcycle rider obtain a Class M1 endorsement on their license. The test is fairly simple and with a minimum of studying and practice, a rider can pass the tests. However, that is NOT enough.

Prior to straddling a motor and hitting the streets or freeways, motorcycle riders need to understand their bikes, know their capabilities as a rider, what to look for, and what to expect while riding. To accomplish this, the rider needs to practice, study, and hopefully, take a safety course. Learning from other's mistakes and taking advantage of the advice from an experienced rider can save your life.

Here are some links to information resources and rider classes:

•National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

•Web Bike World

•Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. Sac - Local Safety Classes)

Bicycle Riders and Motorists Alike, Let's Be Cautious!

The Arcadia Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) today call upon bicycle riders and motorists alike to be cautious during May’s National Bicycle Safety Month, and every other month during the year.

For riders and drivers, "Roll Model" means actively decreasing the risks of traffic crashes, preventable injuries and deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 818 bicyclists died and over 45,000 were injured in crashes in 2015, with deaths rising over 12% from 2014 numbers. Over the 10-year period from 2006 to 2015, the average age of cyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes increased from 41 to 45. Alcohol involvement – either for the motor vehicle operator or for the cyclist – was reported in 37% of all fatal cyclist crashes in 2015.

“Spring has arrived after a wet winter season which makes it a great time for family and friends to strap on a helmet, hop on a bike, and see just how fun and welcoming our community’s streets and bike paths are,” said Sgt. Kollin Cieadlo. “Whether a person rides or drives, everyone should know about bicycle safety, now more than ever.”

California has the Move Over Law to share the road requiring motorist to pass bike riders with at least a 3 foot cushion. Support community efforts in your community, be involved in bicycle safety, whether while riding a bike, or driving a vehicle.

* Be A Roll Model:

* Ride and Drive Focused - Never ride or drive distracted.

* Ride and Drive Prepared - Always expect the unexpected.

* Safety First - Always wear a bicycle helmet when on a bicycle and a seat belt when in a vehicle.

* Know the Rules of the Road - A bicyclist is considered a vehicle on the road with all the rights and responsibilities of motorized traffic.

* Share the Road - Both motorist and bicyclist should look out for each other and show mutual respect.

For more information on Bicycle Safety Month, please visit www.NHTSA.gov/bicycle-safety.

Successful Distracted Driving Campaign During April

Arcadia Police Department Conducts Successful Distracted Driving Effort

Safety Message Strongly Enforced

During the month of April, motorists caught violating California’s distracted-driving law received a clear message from law enforcement during the high-visibility enforcement campaign.

“Using a hand-held phone for calls, texting or apps while driving is something we all know is dangerous and wrong, but too many drivers are doing it anyway. So when we see it, we show zero tolerance,” said Sergeant Kollin Cieadlo, Arcadia Police Department.

The Arcadia Police Department issued 191 citations to violators of California’s distracted-driving law during the recent enforcement period. The law provides that it is illegal to hold and use a cell phone while texting, calling or using apps while driving. It must be affixed to the vehicle and may be operated in hands free mode using voice activation or used with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

“Distracted driving kills too many people for us to ignore the facts and pretend it’s okay—it is never acceptable to text and drive,” said Sergeant Kollin Cieadlo. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed, nationwide, and another 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015.

Offenders caught texting and driving will face tickets totaling at least $162, and higher for a second violation. Though the high-visibility enforcement effort is over, law enforcement officers will continue watching for distracted drivers to make sure all motorists keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

This campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Weekly Activity Highlights for April 23 - 29, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=9722

Weekly Tip - May is National Bike Month

Did You Know?

• Head injuries are the most serious type of injury and the most common cause of death for bicyclists. Bicycle helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of head and brain injury when a crash occurs by as much as 85 to 88 percent.
• Children with bicycle-related head injuries are more likely to require hospitalization and to have their injuries result in death.
• More than one-fifth of all bicyclist deaths occur among school-age youth ages 5 to 15.
• More children go to hospital emergency departments for bicycle-related crashes than for any other sport.
• Of child bicyclists (16 years and under) killed on the road, 49 percent are killed while bicycling on minor roads (connecting roads and neighborhood streets) and almost 49 percent are killed while bicycling on major roads (high-volume roads across cities and towns).
• Almost half of bicycle crashes occur in driveways or on sidewalks

For some great safety tips and additional information, please visit the Safe Kids USA website.  You can also find information on "bike to work" and "bike to school" programs on the CalTrans website.