South Pasadena police nab parolee after short chase

SOUTH PASADENA — Police jailed a suspected thief and wanted parolee Sunday after he fled from an officer, then claimed to have a gun, officials said.
Charles Floredo Romero, 45, of Pasadena was being held without bail, according to sheriff’s booking records.
An officer stopped Romero on a bicycle about 8 a.m. near Fremont Avenue and Huntington Drive, South Pasadena police said in a written statement.
“After giving a false name, Romero jumped from the bicycle and ran from the officer to the area of Huntington Drive and Winchester Avenue, in the city of Los Angeles,” the statement said. “When confronted by the officer, Romero crouched behind a tree and small bush, telling the officer he had a gun.”
Officers arrested Romero after a brief struggle and determined he did not have a gun, police said.
“Further investigation revealed the bicycle Romero was riding was stolen from Glendora using burglary tools he had in his possession,” according to the police statement.
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