May 2011 Archives
PICO RIVERA -- Deputies jailed two women women Sunday on suspicion of scuffling with security while shoplifting, then leading sheriff's deputies on a short chase.
Martha Almenar, 51, and Lisette Ochoa, 19, were booked on suspicion of robbery and evading police, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Jerry Cummings said. Their cities of residency were not available.
Employees of a pharmacy at Whittier Boulevard and Durfee Avenue flagged down a deputy about 6:30 p.m. to report to women had just struggled with a security guard after being caught trying to shoplift and fled in a car, the lieutenant said.
Deputies quickly caught up with the car and tried to pull it over, beginning a brief chase, Cummings said.
The car circled through the area before heading down a dead end street near Olympic Blvd. and Citrus Drive, he said. The car then came to a stop, and the women surrendered without further incident.
COVINA -- Authorities Sunday released the name of a 19-year-old La Puente man who was fatally stabbed during a fight at a house party in an unincorporated county area near Covina.
Christian Smith died at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center about an hour and a half after the 2 a.m. stabbing in the 20000 block of Stephanie Drive, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said.
He was attending a party with about two-dozen other young adults when he became involved in a fight with another young man, sheriff's officials said.
After stabbing Smith, the assailant ran from the scene, officials added. No arrests were announced Sunday.
No further information about what led up to the fatal fight was released.
COVINA -- A young man died early Saturday after an argument at a house party escalated into a stabbing in an unincorporated county area near Covina, authorities said.
Coroner's officials did not release the man's identity pending notification of his family. He was initially described as being 19 years old.
"Approximately 20 to 25 young adults were attending a party in the 20000 block of Stephanie Drive when, at approximately 2:00 a.m., two men began arguing," Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Diane Hecht said in a written statement.
"The argument escalated into a fight and the victim was stabbed in the upper torso," she said.
Officials took the wounded young man to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The assailant ran from the scene and had not been found, the sergeant said.
Though the suspect was described by authorities only as another young man, officials said investigators had solid leads as to his identity.
The weapon used in the stabbing was not found, Hecht said.
A man who answered the door at the home where the stabbing occurred did not wish to comment.
Several nearby neighbors said they weren't aware anything had happened until the sheriff's patrol cars swarmed the street.
Detectives from the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau are handling the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the bureau at 323-890-5500.
Coroner's officials did not release the man's identity pending notification of his family. He was initially described as being 19 years old.
"Approximately 20 to 25 young adults were attending a party in the 20000 block of Stephanie Drive when, at approximately 2:00 a.m., two men began arguing," Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Diane Hecht said in a written statement.
"The argument escalated into a fight and the victim was stabbed in the upper torso," she said.
Officials took the wounded young man to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The assailant ran from the scene and had not been found, the sergeant said.
Though the suspect was described by authorities only as another young man, officials said investigators had solid leads as to his identity.
The weapon used in the stabbing was not found, Hecht said.
A man who answered the door at the home where the stabbing occurred did not wish to comment.
Several nearby neighbors said they weren't aware anything had happened until the sheriff's patrol cars swarmed the street.
Detectives from the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau are handling the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the bureau at 323-890-5500.
LA PUENTE -- Deputies arrested a suspected auto thief after he ran from deputies during a traffic stop Friday, authorities said.
Alex Estrella, 30, of La Puente was booked on suspicion of auto theft and evading police, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Victor Sotelo said.
A deputy tried to pull over a reportedly stolen car about noon at Inyo Street and Ferrero Lane, Sgt. H. Macias said.
The driver, later identified as Estrella, ditched the car and ran north from the deputy on Ferrero Lane, he said.
Officials searched the area but did not find the suspect, Macias said.
About an hour later, a resident called the sheriff's Industry Station to report a suspicious person hiding in a backyard shed in the 600 block of Ferrero Lane, Macias said.
Deputies renewed their search with the help of K-9s and soon located Estrella hiding in a nearby backyard, officials said. He was arrested without further incident.
WEST COVINA -- A Baldwin Park man suspected of shooting at his neighbor's dog and threatening the 7-year-old god owner with a handgun pleaded not guilty Friday to six felony charges, court officials said.
Carlton States, 31, was charged with making criminal threats, first-degree burglary with a person present, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, and two counts of child abuse in West Covina Superior court, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said in a written statement. The complaint against States also alleged personal use of a handgun in a crime.
The incident occurred about 8 p.m. Wednesday in the 3700 block of Baldwin Park Boulevard, police said.
While the victim was playing outside of her home with her dog, "Smalls," the defendant allegedly began taunting the animal," according to the district attorney's office's statement.
"When the dog began to bark, the defendant purportedly drew a handgun, prompting the girl to run inside her home," the statement continued.
A shot was fired, but neither the girl nor the dog were struck, officials added.
"Authorities allege that States then followed the child and her pet inside the home, pointed a gun at the girl -- who was holding the dog in her lap -- and threatened to shoot the animal," the statement said.
Bail was recommended at $270,000, court officials said, and States was due back in West Covina Superior Court June 9 for a preliminary hearing.
After apparently starting their bank robbing careers with heists in San Dimas and Diamond Bar, a duo of robbers the FBI has dubbed "The Greenhorn Bandits" struck again Thursday in Redlands.
The name was chosen for the bandits because of the amateur manner in which the takeover robberies have been carried out so far, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.
"They're described as being somewhat clumsy and inexperienced by witnesses,"she said.
The robbers' apparent lack of experience and skill, "could add to the potential for violence," she added.
But with three bank robberies credited to them since May 16, they're building their criminal resume fast.
The first robbery linked to the Greenhorn Bandits took place shortly after 3 p.m. May 16 at the California Bank & Trust, 1200 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. in Diamond Bar, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Cruz Solis said.
On Monday, exactly one week later, the robbers showed up another California Bank & Trust branch at 530 W. Bonita Avenue in San Dimas just after noon, sheriff's officials said.
The Greenhorn Bandits robbed again just before 10:30 p.m. at a Community Bank, 200 E. Citrus Ave. in Redlands, officials said.
In all three robberies, the robbers were described as Latino or black men, between 25 and 33 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall, wearing bandanas over their faces and hooded sweat shirts, Eimiller said.
The men brandish a black revolver as they take over the banks and have been caught on surveillance tape carrying a white plastic grocery bag to put the stolen money in.
A third suspect has been reported by witnesses acting as a getaway driver who remains in a truck parked near the banks, authorities said.
In at least one of the robberies, witnesses described the truck as a silver Nissan to sheriff's investigators.
"The suspects are considered armed and dangerous," Eimiller said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact local law enforcement.
PHOTOS courtesy of the FBI
ARCADIA -- As part of the "AVOID 100 DUI Prevention Task Force, police are planning a checkpoint this weekend, officials said.
The checkpoint will be held from 6 p.m. Saturday through 2 a.m. Sunday morning at an undisclosed location within the city, Arcadia police officials said in a written statement.
"Traffic flowing through the checkpoint will be contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers," the police statement said. "Officers will also check to make sure drivers have valid driver's licenses."
Funding for Saturday's checkpoint is being provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminitration.
ALHAMBRA -- Authorities evacuated residents and blocked off streets Thursday after residents reported finding grenades -- which were ultimately determined to be inert -- while cleaning out their attic, police said.
The incident began about 2:20 p.m. in the 2500 block of South Stranahan Drive, Alhambra police Sgt. Brandon Black said in a written statement.
A resident called police after finding two of the grenades, the sergeant said. A search of the home turned up a third grenade.
Police cordoned off the area, blocked traffic on nearby streets and evacuated nearby homes as the bomb squad was summoned to check out the situation, officials said.
Bomb squad officials determined the grenades were harmless shortly before 4 p.m., police said, and street closures and evacuations were all lifted by 4:30 p.m.
The bomb squad took the inert grenades for disposal.
Detectives are investigating two bank robberies this month at branches of the same bank in San Dimas and Diamond Bar.
The suspect descriptions and tactics bore similarities, however authorities would not say Thursday if the robberies were believed to be connected.
The most recent robbery was reported just after noon Monday at the California Bank & Trust, 530 W. Bonita Avenue in San Dimas, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Kirk Smith said.
The suspects, who were initially described only as two men wearing bandanas over their faces, demanded cash before fleeing from the bank and heading west on Bonita Avenue, the sergeant said. They brandished at least one handgun.
Another California Bank & Trust branch, this one at 1200 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. in Diamond Bar, was also robbed by two men just fter 3 p.m. on May 16, Sgt. Cruz Solis said.
One of the robbers was a black man with a light complexion, about 6 feet tall, wearing a tan baseball cap, Solis said. The second robber was described only as about 5 feet 10 inches tall and wearing dark clothing.
A surveillance camera image taken during the robbery and released by the FBI shows one of the robbers wearing a long-sleeve blue shirt, white pants, a black cap and a red bandana over his face.
The robbers in the Diamond Bar caper were last seen fleeing south on Grand Avenue in a silver Nissan pickup truck.
SANTA FE SPRINGS -- A group of robbers used handguns to rob a fast-food restaurant and a family who was dining there late Wednesday, police said.
The robbery took place about 8:45 p.m. at Carl's Jr., 16105 Valley View Avenue, just south of Alondra Avenue, Whittier police officials said in a written statement.
"Two suspects armed with handguns approached the front counter and demanded money from the cashier," the statement said. The cashier complied.
"A third suspect walked over to a family sitting in the dining area and demanded they hand over any valuables, while simulating a handgun through his jacket," the statement continued.
One family member handed over a cell phone before all three robbers fled in what was described as a white, late 1990s-model, 4-door sedan, police said. The car was last seen heading south on Valley View
One of the family members handed the suspect their cell phone before all three suspects fled the scene in what witnesses describe as a white, late 1990's-model, 4-door sedan, police said. The vehicle was last seen southbound on Valley View Avenue towards the 5 Freeway.
Police described one robber as a Latino man of about 24 years old. He had a mustache and a shaved head, and wore a gray hooded sweat shirt.
Another robber was described as a Latino man in his 20s, about 190 pounds, wearing black pants and a black jacket. The third robber was described as a Latino man in his 20s wearing a hooded sweat shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to call Whittier police at 562-567-9200. Tips may be left anonymously.
WALNUT -- Sheriff's investigators Thursday returned 11 recovered laptop computers and a projector to C.J. Morris Elementary School, which had 47 computers and other equipment stolen in a break-in earlier this month.
Winston Burt, 19, Trajon Thomas, 19, Jovan Hughes, 27, and Ibrahim Brown, 28, have been booked on suspicion of burglary and receiving stolen property in connection with the crime, officials said. Authorities have recovered 11 of the 47 stolen laptops, and one of 11 stolen LCD projectors.
"We're very proud of the fact that we were able to recover these," Capt. David Halm of the sheriff's Walnut-Diamond Bar Station said. "Today, we're proud to return these computers and projector to the students."
Detectives continued working to find the rest of the stolen equipment.
"We're still following up on other leads," the captain said.
The machines were stolen from C. J. Morris Elementary School, 19875 Calle Baja, in the early morning hours of May 5, investigators said.
The school had just recently launched its "One-2-One Laptop Program," in which every third-grader in the school receives an Apple MacBook to use for the rest of their elementary school years, principal Susan Arzola said.
"Apparently, (the suspects) found out about the One-2-One Program," she said.
Following the break-in, Riverside County sheriff's deputies pulled over a car in Moreno Valley containing Burt, Thomas, Brown and nine of the stolen computers, Halm said.
Further investigation over the next few days led authorities to identify and arrest Hughes in connection with the case and recover two more computers, an LCD projector and several violins officials said may have been stolen from music schools in Orange County.
Investigators declined to release the cities of residency of the suspects, citing the ongoing investigation.
Students were disappointed to learn the laptops they'd helped fund-raise to get had been stolen when they arrived at school on May 5, the principal said.
"We had to explain that bad guys came into our school and took things that didn't belong to them," Arzola said.
At nearly $1,500 each, the total loss from the burglary was estimated at well over $60,000, Arzola added.
Walnut Mayor Tony Cartagena said he was glad to see the learning equipment being returned to the classrooms.
"We take great pride in providing to our youth quality education," the mayor said. "During these tough times, it is important that we recover these computers."
If the remaining computers aren't recovered, she said, the school is making plans to replace the stolen machines through renewed fund-raising efforts, such as Friday ice cream sales and the "Matador March" fundraiser.
"Whatever it takes, that's our mantra," Arzola said.
Anyone interested in making a donation to help replenish the school's computers can make check's payable to the Walnut Unified School District, 880 S. Lemon Avenue in Walnut, and indicate that the funds are for C.J. Morris Elementary School.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Detective Chris Wargo at (909) 595-2264, ext. 3014.
From City News Service:
FULLERTON -- A stakeout at a Fullerton grocery store paid off when police caught a Pico Rivera man suspected of robbing the business for at least the third time this year, a sergeant said Thursday.Demetres Delvon Mitchell, 28, was being held in the city jail on suspicion of armed robbery, Fullerton police Sgt. Andrew Goodrich said.Investigators staked out HR Market, 253 S. Magnolia Ave., for about 200 hours before Mitchell allegedly struck again about 8 p.m. Wednesday, Goodrich said.Mitchell -- as he is also accused of doing in January and March -- hopped a counter and grabbed cash out of the register, Goodrich said."He's a self-service kind of robber -- he doesn't wait for the clerk to give him the money," the sergeant said.Police were waiting for the suspect, who was in the store for about 45 seconds, when he burst out the door, Goodrich said.Investigators from throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties were going over the evidence in the HR Market robberies to see if Mitchell was involved in other stickups, Goodrich said.The suspect's method of operation appears to match multiple robberies in the Southland, Goodrich said.
WEST COVINA -- Police arrested a man Wednesday on suspicion of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home, robbing her and assaulting her, authorities said.
The incident was reported about 7:40 a.m. in the 1700 block of East Nanette Avenue, West Covina police Lt. Ron Mitchell said.
The suspect, whose name was not available Wednesday afternoon, arrived at the woman's home and forced his way in, the lieutenant said.
He then assaulted the woman as he demanded her cell phone, purse and money, Mitchell said.
The woman saw the man leave her home and drive away, he said, and she followed him in another car being driven by her mother.
The mother and daughter chased the man until they were able to flag down an officer, who arrested the suspect and recovered the woman's property, Mitchell said.
Police jailed the man on suspicion of burglary, robbery and domestic violence.
From City News Service:
SOUTH EL MONTE -- A Rosemead man accused of fatally stabbing his mother just under nine years ago and burying her body in the backyard of a condominium they shared will be arraigned next week on a murder charge.John Taylor Huynh, 27, was arrested Friday after sheriff's homicide investigators unearthed a woman's body from the backyard of the condominium, according to the District Attorney's Office.Authorities have not positively identified the body, but the criminal complaint alleges that the victim was Huynh's mother, Hong Tu Phuong, officials said.The criminal complaint alleges that Huynh killed the woman some time between June and July 2002, and that he used a knife in the commission of the crime.Huynh, who remains jailed, is due back in Pomona Superior Court Tuesday.If convicted, he faces up to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
From City News Service:
ROSEMEAD -- A 15-year-old girl and her 21-year-old boyfriend were ordered Wednesday to stand trial for the stabbing deaths of her grandparents at the couple's Rosemead home last summer.Sophia Janalisa Cristo and Rodolfo Lopez are charged with murdering Jack Bezner, 71, and his 64-year-old wife, Susan, who were found dead in their bed last Aug. 9 at their home in the 4200 block of Arica Avenue.The murder charge includes the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, along with the allegations that the two each used a knife and inflicted great bodily injury on the victims.Prosecutors will decide later in the case whether to seek the death penalty against Lopez.Cristo, who was 14 at the time but was charged as an adult, is not eligible for the death penalty because of her age.The two were arrested last Aug. 11 in Horizon City, Texas, after detectives learned they might be on their way there in the Bezners' missing Nissan sport utility vehicle.Cristo and Lopez are due back at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse on June 8 for arraignment.
GLENDORA -- Police wounded and arrested a suspected robber during a shoot-out inside a crowded grocery store late Saturday, authorities said.
The suspect, whose name was not released, was hospitalized in critical condition, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Harry Drucker said in a written statement. No officers or bystanders were wounded in the exchange of gunfire.
An officer spotted a man suspected in a department store robbery earlier in the day about 10 p.m. near a Ralph's grocery store, 655 S. Grand Ave., Drucker said.
"The suspect pulled out a handgun and ran into the Ralph's grocery, the sergeant said. "The officer pursued the suspect into the location and when the suspect fired his handgun at the officer, he was forced to return fire."
The wounded suspect, initially described only as a white man in his mid-30s, was struck once in the upper body hospitalized in critical condition.
"The Ralph's was crowded," sheriff's Lt. John Corina said. "It was full of people shopping at the time, and the suspect was firing from behind the checkstands at the officer as he entered the store."
The robbery the wounded suspect was suspected of took place just after 4 p.m. at Kohl's department store, 1225 S. Lone Hill Ave., Glendora police Lt. Rob Lamborghini said.
Police said the robber brandished a handgun as he demanded cash from a store employee.
"Using investigative leads and witness information, Glendora officers were able to identify the suspect, the vehicle he was driving and the location where the vehicle was registered," Lamborghini said.
Officers went to the home where the car was registered Saturday afternoon, he said, but the suspect wasn't found.
-- City News Service contributed to this report.
The suspect, whose name was not released, was hospitalized in critical condition, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Harry Drucker said in a written statement. No officers or bystanders were wounded in the exchange of gunfire.
An officer spotted a man suspected in a department store robbery earlier in the day about 10 p.m. near a Ralph's grocery store, 655 S. Grand Ave., Drucker said.
"The suspect pulled out a handgun and ran into the Ralph's grocery, the sergeant said. "The officer pursued the suspect into the location and when the suspect fired his handgun at the officer, he was forced to return fire."
The wounded suspect, initially described only as a white man in his mid-30s, was struck once in the upper body hospitalized in critical condition.
"The Ralph's was crowded," sheriff's Lt. John Corina said. "It was full of people shopping at the time, and the suspect was firing from behind the checkstands at the officer as he entered the store."
The robbery the wounded suspect was suspected of took place just after 4 p.m. at Kohl's department store, 1225 S. Lone Hill Ave., Glendora police Lt. Rob Lamborghini said.
Police said the robber brandished a handgun as he demanded cash from a store employee.
"Using investigative leads and witness information, Glendora officers were able to identify the suspect, the vehicle he was driving and the location where the vehicle was registered," Lamborghini said.
Officers went to the home where the car was registered Saturday afternoon, he said, but the suspect wasn't found.
-- City News Service contributed to this report.
WEST VALINDA -- Three men were cited for spectating when police broke up a cockfight in a residential neighborhood Saturday, authorities said.
Deputies responded to reports of a possible cockfight going on in a backyard in the 15000 block of Fairgrove Avenue in the unincorporated county area of West Valinda about 10:20 a.m., Lt. Mark Stevens of the the Los Angeles County sheriff's Industry Station said.
By the time officers arrived, there were only three men on-hand who were cited for being spectators to a cockfight, the lieutenant said.
More than 50 birds, several of them dead from apparent cockfights, were collected by animal control officials, Stevens said.
Other evidence of cockfighting, such as metal spurs cockfighters attack to their birds' feet, was also found at the scene, officials said.
The organizers of the cockfight were not identified.
Stevens reminded the public that not only is cockfighting illegal and inhumane, but even attending such an event is a crime.
"It's actually against the law to attend and watch," he said. "Just to be a spectator is illegal. You can be arrested for it."
BASSETT -- The discovery of 1,900 marijuana plants found growing in three commercial buildings earlier this week was the result of a month-long undercover operation, officials said.
Theodoro Castro, 35, of Rowland Heights, Colby Kelly, 38, of Santa Ana, Alfred Serrato, 39, of Tustin and Brandon Roberto, 26, of Aliso Viejo were all booked on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana following Wednesday's 10:30 a.m. raid in the 100 block of 8th Avenue in Bassett, Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Michael Parker said in a written statement.
The pot plants -- valued at about $2 million -- were in various stages of growth and spread out in three small commercial buildings, investigators said.
"The service of the search warrant stemmed from information gathered following a four week-long undercover operation," Parker said. "Suspicious activity at the location led Special Assignment Team deputies to secure search warrants for three small warehouses at the location each containing a marijuana grow."
According to sheriff's booking records, all four suspects had been released from jail on bail as of Friday.
The Bassett marijuana growing operation was not believed to be connected to two others also discovered by sheriff's officials in Alhambra and San Gabriel Wednesday, sheriff's Sgt. Steve Kim said.
In that case, a man and woman were arrested in connection with marijuana gardens in a commercial building in Alhambra, as well as a condominium in San Gabriel.
PHOTO courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
MONROVIA -- A young man is expected to survive and a suspect is in custody following a stabbing during a fight outside a house party late Friday, police said.
Eric Diaz, 19, of West Covina was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder after stabbing the victim, another young man, in the neck, Monrovia police Sgt. Mike Head said.
The wounded man was hospitalized with an injury that was not believed to be life-threatening after the 10:15 p.m. stabbing in the 100 block of Montana Street, just west of Myrtle Avenue, the sergeant said.
"Officers responded to a call of several subjects fighting at a residential party, and one person was reported to be stabbed," Head said.
Officers found several people loitering in the street, police said, and the wounded young man suffering from a stab wound to his neck.
Monrovia police and other local law enforcement agencies set up a search perimeter and found Diaz about three blocks away from the scene of the stabbing, Head said.
No further details about the incident were released Saturday.
According to sheriff's booking records, Diaz was being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Monrovia Police Department's jail and was due for arraignment Tuesday in Pasadena Superior Court.
Sheriff's deputies arrested two people and dismantled two indoor marijuana growing operations valued at $2.5 million Thursday in Alhambra and San Gabriel, authorities said.
A month-long investigation led to the arrest of Joseph Hsu, 30, of San Gabriel and Pauline McDonnell, 22, of Redlands on suspicion of growing the pot, Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Michael Parker said in a written statement.
Hsu is a suspected member of the Wah Ching street gang, Sgt. Steve Kim of the sheriff's Asian Gang Team.
Officials had been looking into reports of suspicious activity reported lately at an industrial building in the 800 block of South Date Avenue in Alhambra and developed evidence that an illegal marijuana grow was being housed there, Parker said.
About 4 p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies carried out search warrant on the commercial building, which was posing as some type of consultant's office, as well as the home of Hsu in the 9100 block of Huntington Drive in San Gabriel, officials said.
"Inside the South Date Avenue location, deputies discovered a fully-operational indoor marijuana grow," Parker said.
Deputies seized about 400 plants in varying stages of growth from the building, along with about 100 pounds of dried marijuana and numerous pieces of lighting and hydroponic equipment.
At Hsu's condominium on Huntington Drive, Parker said, "A search revealed a smaller indoor marijuana grow with about 40 plants and 40-50 pounds of dried marijuana."
Two handguns and a shotgun were also found in the condominium, officials added. Hsu, a convicted felon, is legally barred from possessing firearms.
McDonnell was also at the condominium when deputies arrived and was also arrested in connection with the marijuana grow.
The commercial building was listed as a consulting firm on lease paperwork, however it displayed no sign, Kim said.
The marijuana growing operations appeared to be stealing their electricity from the Southern California Edison grid by bypassing electrical meters, he added.
The relationship between Hsu and McDonnell was not clear Friday.
According to sheriff's booking records, Hsu and McDonnell were both released from jail Thursday afternoon after posting bail. Hsu's bail was set at $50,000, while McDonnell's was set at $20,000.
Both were scheduled for arraignment Monday in Alhambra Superior Court.
PHOTO courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
ARCADIA -- Police Friday released a sketch of a man suspected of sexually assaulting and trying to kidnap a 15-year-old girl earlier this week.
The crime occurred about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Santa Anita Avenue and Genoa Street, Arcadia police Sgt. Tom Le Veque said in a written statement.
The girl was walking home when the attacker approached in a 4-door, silver Audi, possible with a spoiler on rear, with black leather and no tint, police said.
The man convinced the girl to get in the car with him to help him with directions, Le Veque said.
After driving with the girl through west Arcadia, the man drove back to the area where he first picked the girl up, officials said.
"After stopping the car, the male suspect began rubbing the girl's neck and shoulders while asking her if she had a boyfriend.," Le Veque said. "The suspect then grabbed the girl's breasts. The victim tried to get out of the car, but the door was locked."
The girl convinced the man to drive back toward Santa Anita Avenue, and he again stopped the car and made similar advances, he said.
"The victim was able to exit the car, but was grabbed on the arm by the suspect," Le Veque said. "She pulled away and ran off.
Police described the attacker as a Latino man in his 30s, with short black hair, a goatee and a Spanish accent. He wore a white T-shirt and dark shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to call Arcadia police detectives at 626-574-5160. Tips can also be submitted anonymously be calling L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers qt 800-222-8477.
SKETCH of suspect courtesy of the Arcadia Police Department
BASSETT -- Deputies uncovered an indoor marijuana grow of more than 1,000 plants in an industrial area Thursday and arrested four people in connection with the operation, authorities said.
Colby Kelly, 39, Alfred Serrato, 39, Brandon Roberto, 27, and a fourth man whose name was not available pending booking were arrested during the investigation that followed the discovery of the pot garden, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Kelly Huffman said.
Deputies served a warrant in the 200 block of South 8th Avenue about 10:30 a.m. and found the marijuana plants growing in three separate, small industrial buildings, the sergeant said.
The investigation was ongoing, and no further details were released late Thursday.
From City News Serice
PASADENA -- A Tujunga man was charged Thursday with murdering his 33- year-old female cousin, whose body was left near the La Crescenta Avenue offramp of the westbound 210 Freeway.Aram Sarukhanyan, 27, is accused of shooting Adrine Arzumanyan and then pointing a handgun at a civilian who tried to stop him after he allegedly dumped the victim's body alongside the freeway April 29.Sarukhanyan was located a short time later on the southbound 2 Freeway with a self-inflicted gunshot wound that resulted in his hospitalization, authorities said.He will be arraigned after he is released from the hospital, according to Deputy District Attorney Lee Mitchell.Sarukhanyan is charged with one felony count each of murder and brandishing a firearm at a person in motor vehicle, along with the allegation that he personally used a handgun in the commission of Arzumanyan's shooting.If convicted, he faces a maximum of more than 50 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.
WHITTIER -- Authorities charged a Whittier man with a host of felony charges Thursday for allegedly holding a woman hostage at scissor point at the Whittier Public Library as he demanded marijuana, a car and a Mexican army escort.
Ignacio Gabriel Munoz, 30, pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping for ransom, false imprisonment, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of making criminal threats and commercial burglary with a special allegation that he used a deadly weapon, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said in a written statement.
At the request of prosecution, Munoz's bail was increased from $100,000 to $1 million.
A woman was with her students at the library, 7344 Washington Avenue, shortly after noon Tuesday when Munoz suddenly grabbed her, pulled her from her chair, put scissors up to her throat and began screaming that he had a hostage, police said.
"When police arrived, he allegedly demanded a pound of kush (high-quality marijuana), a car and the Mexican Army to pick him up," according to the district attorney's statement.
He was ultimately subdued with a less lethal projectile and arrested, Whittier police Lt. Steve Dean said. The woman was frightened but unharmed.
The alleged victim was a stranger to Munoz, police added. It was not clear what type of teacher the woman was, or what age group of students she was at the library with.
"(Munoz) also allegedly threatened two other people during the situation," the statement said.
If convicted as charged, Munoz faces the possibility of life in prison.
Munoz was due back in Whittier Superior Court May 24 for a preliminary hearing, court officials said. At the preliminary hearing, a judge will review a summary of the evidence in the case and determine whether it's sufficient to order the defendant to stand trial.
From staff reports
ARCADIA - Police Wednesday announced they've arrested a Rosemead man after a traffic stop yielded 8,000 ecstasy pills.
The announcement came via a blog post.
Johnny V. Pham, 18, of Rosemead, and a juvenile passenger in his vehicle were arrested on suspicion of felony possession for sale and transportation of a controlled substance. Pham was released after a $100,000 bond was posted, officials said.
The unidentified juvenile was released to his parents, police said.
"The pills were packaged in 8 separate zip-lock bags, containing approximately 1,000 pills per bag. The total estimated street value of the pills is about $80,000," according to a post on the Arcadia Police Department's News and Information Blog.
Pham was pulled over Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. on Golden West Avenue near Huntington Drive for failing to stop at a stop sign, police said.
"During the traffic stop, officers saw what appeared to be a large zip-lock bag containing a large quantity of pills lying on the floorboard of the vehicle Pham was driving," the blog post said. "Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found an additional seven large bags in the trunk, also containing similar pills."
Police believe the pills were ecstasy.
PHOTO of seized ecstasy courtesy of the Arcadia Police Department
WHITTIER -- The motive of a Whittier man who held a woman captive with a pair of scissors at the Whittier Public Library remained a mystery Wednesday, authorities said.
Ignacio Munoz, 30, was arrested in connection with the incident, which began about 12:45 p.m. Tuesday at the library, 7344 Washington Ave., Whittier police officials said in a written statement.
A woman estimated to be in her early 40s was with a group at the library when Munoz, suddenly and without warning, assaulted her, Lt. Steve Dean said.
"He just grabbed her," he said. "He dragged her from the table."
He put a pair of scissors up against the woman's, "and started screaming that this was a hostage situation," Dean said.
Police were summoned and a standoff ensued for several minutes as officers tried unsuccessfully to reason with Munoz.
During the standoff, he continued screaming but made no discernible demands, Dean said. "Nothing that made sense."
Police ultimately ended the situation by shooting Munoz in the torso with a less lethal bean bag-type projectile called a "sock round," Dean said. He immediately released the terrified woman and surrendered.
Munoz had no pre-existing relationship with the woman, Dean said. "He didn't know her from Adam."
After being examined at a hospital and spending the night at the Whittier Police Department's jail, officials said the man appeared more composed.
"He was very lucid this morning," Dean said.
Though Munoz appeared "remorseful" for the incident, the lieutenant added, he did not shed any light on his motive for the bizarre actions.
It was unclear Wednesday if drugs or alcohol played a role.
According to sheriff's booking records, Munoz was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
He was expected to be arraigned Thursday in Whittier Superior Court.
COVINA -- A Covina man is accused of driving drunk Sunday when he collided with a family's SUV, then fled the scene, authorities said.
David Lutz, 38, was arrested in connection with the 10:45 a.m. crash at Grand Avenue and Covina Hills Road in an unincorporated county area near Covina, California Highway Patrol Officer J. Swift said.
For reasons that remained under investigation, his Chrysler 300 collided with a Toyota SUV being driven by a man who had his wife as well as three children -- ages 4 to 14 -- as passengers, Swift said.
The SUV rolled over in the crash, throwing the man from the vehicle, he said. All five people who were in the SUV suffered moderate injuries.
Lutz drove off after the crash, Swift said, but his damaged car left a trail of automotive fluid that pointed officials in the direction he had gone.
Officials found Lutz's car parked in front of a home about a mile away from the crash scene and arrested him, Swift said.
According to sheriff's booking records, Lutz was being held in lieu of $150,000 bail and was due to appear Tuesday in West Covina Superior Court.
DIAMOND BAR -- Two people suffered serious injuries Sunday in a rollover SUV crash on the 57 Freeway, officials said.
The crash was reported about 2:35 p.m. on the northbound 57 Freeway, just north of the eastbound 60 Freeway, according to California Highway Patrol logs.
The collision involved an SUV and a sedan, CHP and Los Angeles County Fire Department officials said. The SUV completely overturned and ended up back on it's wheels.
A man estimated to be in his mid-60s who was in the SUV was flown to the University of California Irvine Medical center with head trauma, fire officials said. Another man in the SUV, estimated to be about 50, was taken by ambulance to the same hospital with back injuries.
Both men were conscious and breathing and were expected to survive, fire officials said.
A woman who was driving the sedan, which went down an embankment, suffered minor injuries, authorities added.
The cause of the crash was being investigated by the Santa Fe Springs office of the CHP.
The three right lanes of the northbound 57 Freeway were shut down for about an hour and a half during the rescue and initial investigation.
A man fatally shot his girlfriend, a La Puente woman, and their 5-year-old twins inside an SUV late Saturday before turning the gun on himself, authorities said.
The bodies of Iris Oseguera, 33, her boyfriend Salvador Acevedo, 45, and the their twins, a boy and girl whose names were not released Sunday, were discovered about 9 p.m. Saturday inside an SUV parked in the 1100 block of South Hicks Avenue, East Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Lillian Peck said in a written statement.
Three teenage children who were also inside the SUV at the time of the shooting escaped unharmed, she said.
Acevedo, Oseguera, and all five children were in an SUV prior to the shooting, officials said.
"While in the vehicle, Acevedo and Oseguera became involved in a domestic dispute," Peck said. "Acevedo produced a handgun and shot Oseguera and their twin children, striking each victim in the upper torso."
Acevedo then dropped the three teenage children off at a relative's home in East Los Angeles and drove away, sheriff's officials said. The relatives immediately contacted the sheriff's department.
A short time later, deputies discovered the SUV stopped on Hicks Avenue, with the three victims inside and Acevedo suffering from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, Peck said.
Oseguera and Acevedo were pronounced dead at the scene, and the 5-year-old twins were rushed to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
The investigation, which was being handled by the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau, was ongoing.
MONTEBELLO -- Police officers, both human and canine, arrested a drunken man who led them on a brief car chase early Sunday, authorities said.
Juan Guardado, 24, of Pico Rivera was booked on suspicion of evading police and drunken driving, Montebello Police Lt. Rich Meadows said. He was also being investigated in connection with auto theft, possession of stolen property and narcotics charges.
Sandra Gonzalez, 19, of Montebello, a passenger in the car, was booked on suspicion of possession of narcotics, police added.
Officers received information about 2:20 a.m. regarding a stolen car that had just been dropped off in the 400 block of South Third Street, Meadows said.
Officials also developed information about a second car possibly related to the abandonment of the stolen car, and quickly spotted a car matching the description less than a mile away at Greenwood Avenue and Beach Street, "leaving at a high rate of speed," the lieutenant said.
"Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but it failed to yield and a short pursuit ensued," Meadows said.
When the car reached the area of Paramount and Washington Boulevards, officers tried unsuccessfully to use a PIT maneuver to bring the chase to an end.
"The driver started making multiple U-turns in the street," Meadows said. Officers used their patrol units to box in the fleeing car, stopping the chase.
"The driver immediately exited the vehicle and stated he had a gun," he said. "A police K-9 was deployed and apprehended (Guardado)."
Officials ultimately found Guardado did not have a gun.
Gonzalez and another man who was riding in the car were detained without further incident, Meadows said. Gonzalez was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, while the other passenger was released without charges.
Officials also found property they suspect may be stolen inside the car, Meadows added.
Guardado was treated for dog bites before being taken to jail, police said.
According to sheriff's booking records, Guardado was being held in lieu of $75,000 bail, and Gonzalez was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Both were scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in East Los Angeles Superior Court.
AZUSA -- A man remained hospitalized in "guarded condition" Saturday after being stabbed during a fight, police said.
Officers responded to reports of a fight involving multiple combatants about 11 p.m. Friday at a party or gathering outside a home in the 100 block of South Lemon Avenue, Azusa police Sgt. John Madaloni said.
The fight was over when officers arrived, but a man was found lying in the street with an apparent stab wound to his torso, the sergeant said.
The incident was not initially believed to be gang-related, police said.
No suspect description was available.
Anyone with information is asked to call Azusa police at 626-812-3200, or tips can be left anonymously at 626-812-3272.
Officers responded to reports of a fight involving multiple combatants about 11 p.m. Friday at a party or gathering outside a home in the 100 block of South Lemon Avenue, Azusa police Sgt. John Madaloni said.
The fight was over when officers arrived, but a man was found lying in the street with an apparent stab wound to his torso, the sergeant said.
The incident was not initially believed to be gang-related, police said.
No suspect description was available.
Anyone with information is asked to call Azusa police at 626-812-3200, or tips can be left anonymously at 626-812-3272.
SOUTH PASADENA -- A man police have connected to at least two South Pasadena burglaries last month was behind bars Saturday, as investigators tried to link recovered items to other possible victims.Officers spotted Neal Anthony Lapiana, 24, of Los Angeles, about 2 p.m. Friday near Monterey Road and Pasadena Avenue and arrested him after recognizing him as a wanted burglary suspect, South Pasadena police Cpl. Shannon Robledo said. He allegedly had burglary tools with him.
He was caught on surveillance video stealing a bicycle from a carport in the 700 block of Prospect Avenue on April 17, the corporal said.
Lapiana was also linked to an auto break-in that occurred April 22 in the 1800 block of Ramona Avenue, Robledo said.
About two hours after the April 22 break-in occurred, but before it had been reported to police, an officer stopped Lapiana as he rode a bicycle and questioned him about electronics he had with him, Robledo said. A check revealed the items had not been reported stolen, and Lapiana was let go.
A short time later, the victim of the Ramona Avenue auto burglary reported the same items Lapiana had with him had been stolen.
After arresting Lapiana Friday afternoon, South Pasadena police searched his Los Angeles home and found about 15 items such as laptop computers, cell phones and other electronics investigators suspect are stolen.
Lapiana, already and probation for a theft-related conviction, was booked on suspicion of burglary and possession of stolen property, police said.
According to sheriff's booking records, he was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. Information on his initial court appearance was not available.
PHOTO of Neal Anthony Lapiana, 24, of Los Angeles, courtesy of the South Pasadena Police Department
From City News Service:
SANTA ANA -- Orange County prosecutors announced Friday they will not pursue the death penalty for a 31-year-old San Gabriel man who shot five people, killing one of them, in a Cypress cafe.Gang member Stephenson Choi Kim was convicted in March of the March 13, 2004, shooting spree at the 5th Wave Cafe that killed 21-year-old Venus Hyun and injured four others.The same jury deadlocked 7-5 against recommending the death penalty, and Deputy District Attorney Cameron Talley told a judge today that his office will stop pursuing the ultimate punishment for Kim."It was the totality of the circumstances, it wasn't just one particular thing -- we weigh everything," Talley said after the hearing.Prosecutors considered that a majority of jurors were against recommending the death penalty and that the families of the victims did not object to a life sentence for Kim, Talley said."So he'll spend the rest of his life in prison where he belongs because he's a cold-blooded killer," Talley said.Kim will be sentenced on July 15 to life without parole, plus more than 100 years, Talley said.Kim opened fire in the 5th Wave Cafe because he thought one of the victims had ties to a rival gang that had beaten him up, Talley said.He was convicted of first-degree murder, six counts of attempted murder and street terrorism charges, with a special circumstance allegation of murder for the benefit of a gang.A half-dozen other defendants in the case made deals with the prosecution to testify against Kim and pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
WEST COVINA -- The armed kidnapping of a teenage boy prompted the lockdown of an elementary school Friday, police said.
Officers received a report about 3 p.m. of a kidnapping involving the use of a gun and a shot fired in the 1800 block of East Workman Avenue, West Covina police Cpl. Rudy Lopez said in a written statement.
"The victim, a male, 17, of West Covina was confronted by at least four males who drove up in a light-colored SUV," Lopez said. "One suspect fired a shot from a handgun, forcing the victim to enter the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was last seen driving north on Azusa Avenue."
Police found the kidnapping victim, unharmed, just under an hour later in the area of Citrus Avenue and Arrow Highway in Covina, police said.
As a result of the investigation, nearby Workman Elementary School was placed on a precautionary lockdown until about 4 p.m., Lopez said.
Police declined to release any further details about the incident. The investigation was ongoing.
As seen below, deputies in both the Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties sheriff's departments are now facing allegations of committing sex acts with underage girls. In the Los Angeles County case, the alleged victim is a 16-year-old relative of the deputy. In San Bernardino County, two deputies are accused of having sex with a 17-year-old Explorer Scout:
Statement issued by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office:
LONG BEACH - A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy accused of engaging in sex acts with a teenage girl is expected to be arraigned this afternoon, the District Attorney's Office announced.Deputy District Attorney Deborah Escobar of the Justice System Integrity Division said Orlando Denison, 34 (dob 8/16/76), is charged with two felony counts of oral copulation of a person under 18.Denison is expected to appear for arraignment in Department J of Long Beach Superior Court. The defendant was charged on May 5 in case No. NA088848 in a felony complaint for arrest warrant.Officers of the Long Beach Police Department arrested Denison without incident at his residence yesterday afternoon. The alleged offenses, which occurred in July 2010, involve a female relative who was 16 at the time.If convicted as charged, Denison faces a maximum sentence of three years, eight months in state prison. Bail for the defendant is recommended at $100,000.
From our counterparts at the San Bernardino Sun:
VICTORVILLE -- Another San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy has been arrested on suspicion of committing sex acts with a child in the department's explorer program, officials announced today.Sheriff's Deputy Anthony Benjamin, 30, a supervisor of the program in Victorville, was arrested late Wednesday and posted $100,000 bail this morning, San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said.Investigators suspect the sex acts occurred while the victim, a 17-year-old girl, was on ride-alongs with the deputy.Sheriff Rod Hoops said the explorer ride-along program will be suspended for 60 days and the entire program will be fully reviewed and overhauled.Benjamin is the second deputy in less than two weeks to be arrested on suspicion of having sex with a child in the program.Deputy Nathan Gastineau, 30, based at the sheriff's Highland station, was arrested in late April on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a child. Jason Anguiano, 27, of Rialto, suspected of having sex with the same girl, also was arrested.
PASADENA -- A gunman carjacked a man Wednesday in a residential area near Pasadena City College, police said Friday.
A 50-year-old Pasadena man was walking to his car about noon Wednesday in the 1800 block of Keystone Street when he noticed another man standing in the area looking around nervously, Pasadena police Lt. Chris Russ said.
The victim got into his car when the nervous man approached, pulled a black handgun and demanded the victim get out of his car and turn over his keys, the lieutenant said.
The victim complied and got away unharmed, Russ said.
The carjacker was described as a Latino man in his 20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, of heavy build, with a shortly cropped black hair, a thin mustache and goatee, police said. He had a tattoo with cursive writing on his neck and and wore a white T-shirt; black, blue and white checkered shorts; and white socks.
The stolen car was described as a burgundy, 2004 Ford Taurus 4-door sedan with a license plate number of 6DMU749.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Pasadena Police Department.
LONG BEACH -- The 2008 Whittier Daily News Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year died early Friday in a car crash on the 605 Freeway.
Cameron Allan Gillett, 21, of Norwalk was killed in the 2:15 a.m. crash on the 605 Freeway, just south of Carson Street in Long Beach, coroner's officials said.
He was driving his 1998 Nissan Altima northbound when, "For reasons unknown, (Gillett) allowed the vehicle to drift off the road, down a dirt/grass embankment," California Highway Patrol Officer Jeremy Tolen said in a written statement. The car then went airborne and struck a concrete bridge abutment.
"Drugs and/or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this collision," he added.
Authorities added that the investigation is ongoing.
"He was such a joy to be around," said Gillett's mother, Eileen Neal. "He was really kind to everyone. He always had a word to make you feel comfortable. He put you at ease."
Gillett was unrelenting in any goal he set for himself, whether on or off the track, she said.
"He'll work at something hard and he'll go to accomplish it," Neal said. "He was competing with himself to be better."
He is survived by his mother and step-father, Wilbert Saunders, as well as three brothers and a girlfriend.
"He just reached 21 (April 10). He was so excited," his mother said.
He has worked as a recreation aid for the City of La Mirada for the past three years, Neal said, serving as a coach and referee for children among other duties.
He enjoyed listening to music, playing video games and going to museums and the beach with his girlfriend, she added.
Gillett studied economics at California State University Long Beach, where he was a jumper for the track and field team.
On Sunday, Gillett was on the track for CSULB, where he took fourth place in the 400m dash at the 17th annual Asics Steve Scott Invitational in Irvine. His brothers, with whom Neal said her son was extremely close, were there to cheer him on.
As a track and field star for La Mirada High School, Gillett was named the Whittier Daily News' 2008 All-Area Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year. He was also an honor roll student and basketball forward at the high school.
During his high school career, he became the 2008 State long jump champion with a leap of 24 feet, 1 3/4 inches.
He earned three top 10 Big West Championships finishes in the long and triple jumps during the 2010 indoor season.
Last year, as La Mirada High School's only state champion, Gillett became the first inductee into the school's track and field hall of fame, La Mirada head track and field coach Ollie Lynch.
"He was definitely the best athlete I've ever coached in track and field, bar none," Lynch said.
"(But) he was humble. He came back every chance he got while he was at Long Beach State to help out our kids," Lynch said.
"He'd come out on a weekly basis, and he'd have a big old smile on his face. That smile, I'll never forget it."
Beyond his athletic achievements, Gillett was a positive and hard-working young man and a role model to those around him, Lynch said.
"He was just an amazing kid," Lynch said. "Always charismatic, everybody's friend, always doing the right thing. He was just a positive person that others could emulate and try to be like.
"He's going to be missed by everyone who ever met him. He's had an impact on an entire community."
Services had not been scheduled Friday.
PHOTO of Cameron Gillett courtesy of family members.
BALDWIN PARK -- Police jailed two men who fled from a stolen car Thursday, officials said.
Miguel Monzon and Edgar Valencia, both 18 and from Baldwin Park, were booked on suspicion of auto theft as officials looked into possible additional charges, Baldwin Park police Lt. Joseph Bartolotti said.
A Lo--Jack vehicle anti-theft system directed police toward a Honda CRV that had been stolen in Baldwin Park earlier in the day about 11:20 a.m., the lieutenant said.
Police found the car in the parking lot of a shopping center at Ramona and Baldwin Park boulevards, Bartolotti said. Monzon was sitting in the driver's seat, while Valencia was standing near the passenger side of the car.
Both ran as soon as they spotted officers, he said.
An officer gave chase, Bartolotti said, pursuing the driver through a nearby 99 Cents Only Store before ultimately apprehending him behind the store.
Assisting officers arrested Valencia not far from where the car was found, the lieutenant said.
Valencia was found to be in possession of some possibly stolen jewelry, as well as a shaved car key used for auto theft.
SANTA FE SPRINGS -- Police investigated a 'suspicious package' reported Thursday afternoon at a fast-food restaurant, officials said.
Whittier police were called to a Jack-in-the-Box at Telegraph and Orr and Day roads about 1 p.m., authorities said.
A man had apparently been eating at the restaurant left a briefcase behind, Whittier police Sgt. Sam Reed said.
In an exercise of "extreme caution," he said, police requested the Los Angeles County sheriff's bomb squad to check out the briefcase, which was described as being heavy.
Police said officials ultimately determined the briefcase contained nothing hazardous.
LA HABRA -- Police cautioned the public Thursday about four recent incidents involving what may me the same man harassing teenage girls as they walk home from school.
The incidents took place between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the area around La Habra High School, La Habra police spokeswoman Cindy Knapp said.
A 15-year-old girl contacted police Tuesday to report a suspicious encounter with a man as she walked home from school on Greenwood Avenue, near Walnut Street, police said.
"A male Hispanic driving a red car stopped his vehicle and called to her, attempting to entice her to come over to him," police said in a written statement. "The girl ignored him and continued home."
A second 15-year-old girl came forward Wednesday to report three similar encounters on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the same area, officials said.
In all three cases, the suspicious person was described as Latino man in his 20s or 30s driving a red car with a spoiler, possible a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro.
He pulled up alongside the girl and beckoned her over on Monday and Tuesday on Walnut Street near La La Habra Boulevard, but she continued on her way, officials said.
On Wednesday, the man confronted her at Walnut Street and Highlander Avenue, where he exited his car and approached her, Knapp said. The girl managed to get away.
While police said they couldn't be certain if the same man was responsible for all four incidents, the similarity of the girl's descriptions led investigators to consider the possibility, Knapp said.
Anyone with information, or anyone who may have had a similar encounter recently is asked to call La Habra police at 562-905-9750.
From City News Service:
LOS ANGELES -- An Altadena man and Los Angeles building inspector charged with taking bribes pleaded guilty today to accepting thousands of dollars to approve work at construction sites in South Los Angeles without making the required checks.Raoul Joseph Germain, 60, of Altadena, entered the plea in Los Angeles federal court to one count of bribery involving programs that receive federal funds. He is one of two men charged in the case.Appearing before U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder, Germain acknowledged taking $6,000 in bribes between November 2010 and January 2011 from an undercover agent who was posing as a contractor, then signing inspection forms for four houses, even though he never set foot on two of the properties.Germain faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution payments at sentencing Sept. 19, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. O'Connor said.The prosecutor told Snyder that Germain had "cooperated and confessed his involvement in the scheme."The second defendant, Hugo Joel Gonzalez, 49, of Eagle Rock, pleaded not guilty April 25 to the same charge and is set to face trial June 14.Gonzalez is accused of accepting $9,000 in bribes in exchange for permit approvals on residential construction projects, court papers show.According to criminal complaints in the case, the FBI began an undercover investigation of the inspectors last summer after an informant reported that city of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety inspectors took cash bribes in exchange for permits.Both inspectors are on administrative leave, according to a Department of Building and Safety spokesman.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- Police, sheriff's and California Highway Patrol officials will be out in force through the Cinco de Mayo weekend in search of intoxicated drivers, authorities said.
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies and CHP officers are planning to field extra patrol cars, and police checkpoints are scheduled in cities including Irwindale and Alhambra.
Pasadena police also ran a "saturation patrol" operation seeking drunken drivers Thursday afternoon and evening.
"The Los Angeles County Avoid the 100 DUI Task Force will be deploying overtime patrols onto city streets while CHP will be saturating the freeways and unincorporated communities," sheriff's officials said in a written statement. "They will be looking for the signs of a drunk driver to stop, test and arrest if they have had too much alcohol."
Additionally, authorities plan to set up checkpoints Friday evening at an undisclosed location in Irwindale, as well as in Alhambra.
Anyone who sees drunken driver is encouraged to report it by calling 9-1-1.
PICO RIVERA -- A stolen car was found abandoned and torched Tuesday, officials said.
The 1990s-model Honda was found ablaze about 2:20 a.m. in the 8200 block of Manzanar Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Tony Romo said.
The car had been reported stolen from Bell Gardens earlier the same night, he said.
No suspect information was available, officials said, and it appeared the car thieves simply stripped the car, abandoned it on the street and set it on fire.
From City News Service:
LOS ANGELES -- Two Los Angeles County deputies allegedly attacked by other deputies at a Christmas party allege the department fosters an atmosphere of "lawlessness" among staffers at Men's Central Jail, according to their federal civil rights lawsuit filed Wednesday in Los Angeles.The complaint by deputies Chris Vasquez and Elizario Perez alleges that the sheriff's department is "inadequate" in disciplining and controlling deputies, "particularly with respect to illegal acts and acts of excessive force."The lawsuit names Sheriff Lee Baca, Los Angeles County and seven deputies, most of whom were apparently assigned to the third floor of Men's Central Jail, where a gang-like clique of employees had formed, the plaintiffs claim.The complaint stems from a Christmas party last year at the Quiet Cannon banquet hall in Montebello, where Vasquez and Perez were apparently involved in a fight with a half-dozen deputies.The seven deputies named in the suit are Alfonso Andrade, Hernan Delgado, Joseph Gonzalez, Juan Navarro, Jeffrey Rivera, Mauricio Rodriguez and Jason Snyder.As a result of the Christmas altercation, Vasquez and Perez suffer from lasting physical injuries and "mental anguish," according to the lawsuit.Sheriff's department spokesman Steve Whitmore said the department has dealt with the incident "expeditiously," adding that "six people are facing termination."He also denied allegations that the department encourages "lawlessness" among jail staffers."There is absolutely no atmosphere of violence" among deputies, Whitmore said."We are looking forward to telling the whole story (in court)," he said.The lawsuit seeks unspecified punitive damages and court costs.
From City News Service:
PASADENA -- A Saugus man pleaded no contest Wednesday to raping a prostitute in an underground parking structure in Pasadena in December 2008.Pasadena Superior Court Judge Dorothy Shubin immediately sentenced Jason Keith Renaux to eight years in prison following his plea to one count of forcible rape.Renaux, 31, also was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, said Deputy District Attorney Carolina Lugo.Renaux took the woman into the underground parking structure on Foothill Boulevard, where he raped her on Dec. 27, 2008, according to the prosecutor.He was also charged in connection with an alleged attack on Nov. 28, 2008, on another prostitute, but that case was dismissed as a result of the plea agreement.Renaux was arrested on Dec. 30, 2008, and has remained jailed since then without bail.
PASADENA -- Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley honored four people for valor for their actions in intervening in two separate crimes in Alhambra and Baldwin Park, authorities said.
Courageous Citizen Awards were presented to Justin Garcia, 19, of Glendora; Dedee Reyna, 18, of Sylmar; Michael Valle, 21, of Monterey Park; and Angela Casillas, 31, of Hesperia, at a ceremony hosted by the rotary club Wednesday at the Pasadena Hilton, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said in a written statement.
Garcia, Reyna and Valle were honored for stopping a man from attacking his girlfriend outside an Alhambra movie theater in July of 2009, officials said.
After witnessing a man beating up his girlfriend, the three assisted her and protected her from the attacker until police arrived and arrested him, authorities said.
"Garcia, Reyna and Valle went on to assist in the criminal prosecution, attending multiple court hearings and, ultimately, testifying in court against the defendant," according to the district attorney's statement. "The accounts of the three witnesses proved critical, as the victim refused to testify against her attacker."
Casillas was honored for his role in stopping a distraction-style robbery at a Baldwin Park check cashing business in February of 2010.
A man, assisted by accomplices, tried to run away with about $34,000 in cash, according to the district attorney's office.
"As a store clerk struggled to hold on to the assailant, Casillas jumped in to help restrain the man, taking blows to the arm and chest as the man fought back," the statement said.
The clerk and Casillas successfully held onto the would-be robber until police arrived. The crooked pleaded "no contest" to a charge of robbery less than three months later and received a nine-year prison sentence.
According to the statement, district attorney's officials present Courageous Citizen Awards throughout the year to, "ordinary citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of valor and selflessness in aiding victims, preventing crime, capturing suspects and assisting in criminal prosecution.
COVINA -- Authorities are seeking a man who carjacked a woman at knifepoint from the parking lot of a Wal-Mart store Wednesday.
The crime took place about 2 p.m. Wednesday at the store at 1275 N. Azusa Ave., Covina police Sgt. John Zumwalt.
A woman in her late 20s was sitting in the driver's seat of a white, 2008 Lexus IS 200 sedan when the carjacking occurred, the sergeant said. A woman in her 50's who had been with the driver was standing near the passenger side of the car.
A man approached, pulled a knife and ordered the driver out of the car, Zumwalt said. She complied, and the carjacker sped off south on Azusa Avenue.
Police described the carjacker as a Latino man in his mid-20s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, of thin build and with a shaved head. He wore a blue flannel short-sleeve shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone who sees the car is asked to contact local police or call 9-1-1.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's new agreement with Crimemapping.com has apparently taken effect, and local crime data is flowing. Check it out.
UPDATE: The suspect's body was located in the forest, dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound.
ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST -- Authorities Sunday scoured the San Gabriel Mountains north of the San Gabriel Valley in search of a man accused of shooting his lifelong friend to death near the Chantry Flat Recreation Area Friday.
Kevin Pochter, 53, of Huntington Beach is suspected in the shooting death of 55-year-old Dean Ron Albert of Arcadia, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Diane Hecht said in a written statement.
"If anyone sees Pochter or knows of his whereabouts they should not take any action, but immediately call 9-1-1," Hecht said.
"He is an experienced hiker and was last seen hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains above the cities of Arcadia and Monrovia on Saturday evening."
Albert was found shot to death by a passer-by about 5:20 p.m. Friday on at Santa Anita Canyon Road and Chantry Flats Road, just south of the Chantry Flat Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest north of Sierra Madre, Coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said. He died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and the shooting was ruled a homicide.
Detective Ray Lugo of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau described the suspect and victim as lifelong friends who had attended high school together.
The men had gone up to the forest to meet each other, he said.
"The suspect, Kevin Pochter, seemed extremely upset over... a financial deal," Lugo said. He declined to give more details on the possible motive.
Shortly after Albert's body was discovered, his car, a 1993 BMW 740, was found to be missing, Deputy Mark Pope said.
A sheriff's radio broadcast Saturday advised any deputies who spotted the vehicle to consider the occupants armed and dangerous, and authorities released a public statement describing the vehicle late Friday.
"At approximately 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning, the victim's car was located in the parking lot of the Mount Wilson Observatory, San Gabriel Mountains," Hecht said.
Capt. Michael Parker said a witness called authorities after recognizing the vehicle's description from an article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Deputies from the Crescenta Valley, Temple, and San Dimas sheriff's Stations, along with officers from the Arcadia, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia police departments then launched a massive search for Pochter. Mountain search and rescue teams such as Montrose, Sierra Madre and San Dimas also joined the hunt.
The search focused on the area between the Mount Wilson Observatory and the Chantry Flat Recreation Area, officials said.
After breaking for the night, authorities resumed their search from both ground and air Sunday morning, Hecht said.
"Over 62 square miles of rugged terrain have been searched," she said Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, deputies kept watch over hiking trails in the area, "informing hikers about the continuing search for murder suspect Kevin Pochter who is armed and dangerous."
Pochter is described as white, 6 feet tall, 175 pounds, bald, with blue eyes. He was last seen wearing dark clothing.
The search would continue by both ground and air through nightfall, Lugo said.
Searchers would continue working on the ground overnight, he added, however helicopters will be called off and resume searching Monday morning.
PHOTO of Kevin Pochter comes courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation issued the following statement Sunday, on the heels of a television news report including footage of two LADOT employees apparently taking part in a pornographic film while in uniform and duty. In the video, (sorry, you'll have to look elsewhere for footage) the LADOT officers are seen spanking, being spanked by and fondling an adult film actress, as well as allowing her to perform sexual acts on herself inside their city vehicle.
DOT Announces Full Investigation of Inappropriate Behavior
Los Angeles, (May 1, 2011) - The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) launched a full investigation on Thursday, April 28, 2011, allegedly involving two on-duty traffic officers, for inappropriate behavior following a television station providing a video of two uniformed officers appearing in an adult video. Amir Sedadi, LADOT Interim General Manager, issued the following statement today:
"Photos of what appeared to be LADOT officers engaged in misconduct were provided anonymously to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and forwarded to our offices earlier this year. The still photos contained blurred faces and did not contain any identifiable information regarding the individuals, or the source of the photos. In fact, the photos contained faces and vehicle numbers that were all completely blurred beyond recognition and therefore prior to viewing a video from KNBC-TV, we were not aware of the fact that a video existed.
After the assessment of the still photos was conducted, while we were unable to positively identify any individual employee, we reminded all of our traffic officers in writing about their obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that earns and maintains the trust, respect and confidence of those with whom we serve. We expect our employees to conduct themselves in a manner which will bring credit to themselves and to the Department. Because LADOT Traffic Officers are one of the most conspicuous representatives of City government, we expect our employees to avoid becoming engaged in conduct which is not only inappropriate, but also puts them in a position of compromise.
A full investigation was launched after the video of the incident was provided by KNBC-TV this past week. After we were provided the names of the individuals allegedly involved in the misconduct, both employees were immediately placed on administrative leave. Because we take the incident so seriously, and in order to ensure that the investigation is done thoroughly, a request was made and granted for the Los Angeles Police Department, City Attorney, and Personnel Department to assist in the investigation and provide recommendations. The investigation is designed to seek the truth and establish all the circumstances involved in this very serious incident.
I want to make it clear; LADOT does not condone or tolerate unacceptable or inappropriate behavior from any of our employees. The allegations involving two individuals in no way should be taken as representative of the nearly 600 professional Traffic Officers in the Department.
While I am not able to release the names of the individuals involved due to personnel rules and legal statutes, I can assure everyone that once the investigation is completed, and if the allegations of inappropriate behavior are sustained, swift and appropriate disciplinary action will occur. Finally, I want to thank KNBC-TV for providing us the information that is allowing this investigation to proceed and I pledge that we will complete the detailed review of this incident in a timely manner."
INDUSTRY -- Firefighters battled six small spot fires possibly caused by a downed power line early Sunday near the 605 and 60 freeways, officials said.
The fires, which ultimately scorched less than two acres, was first reported about 1 a.m. in an open brush area at the juncture of the freeways, Los Angeles County Fire Department Dispatch Supervisor Clyde Taylor said.
Firefighters responded to the fire, and also had to deal with a downed power transmission line, Taylor said.
Officials finished putting out all the hot spots and left the scene about 8 a.m., she said.
While a power line knocked down by the wind was being looked at as a possible cause of the fire, the officials cause remained under investigation.
No injuries or property damage were reported.
The fires, which ultimately scorched less than two acres, was first reported about 1 a.m. in an open brush area at the juncture of the freeways, Los Angeles County Fire Department Dispatch Supervisor Clyde Taylor said.
Firefighters responded to the fire, and also had to deal with a downed power transmission line, Taylor said.
Officials finished putting out all the hot spots and left the scene about 8 a.m., she said.
While a power line knocked down by the wind was being looked at as a possible cause of the fire, the officials cause remained under investigation.
No injuries or property damage were reported.
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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