Citizen crime fighters honored for intervention in crimes in Alhambra, Baldwin Park

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.
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