Crime Scene

Altadena Sheriff picks up suspected sex prowler

2010-02-09T21:16:08Z

From a Sheriff's Department Press Release:

Between January 23, 2010 through January 31, 2010, multiple residential burglaries of two separate locations were reported in the Altadena community. The suspect left unique apology notes at each scene, which included sexual explicit references and indicated on at least one note, that he would return.
A partial print was collected by the Los Angeles County Crime Lab, which returned to a registered sex offender, residing in Altadena. A search warrant was obtained and executed, on February 3, 2010, at Suspect Ralph Wyatt's home in the 1000 block of East Woodbury Road. Suspect Wyatt was taken into custody and conclusive evidence of his involvement in the crimes was recovered. Suspect Wyatt was booked at Crescenta Valley Station.
The facts of the case were presented, by Detective Richard Pippin, to the District Attorney's Office of Pasadena Court, and four count of residential burglary, two counts of stalking and one count of sexual battery were filed against Suspect Wyatt.

Four wounded in shooting at Azusa house party

2010-02-08T04:54:27Z

AZUSA -- An assailant opened fire with a shotgun at a house party late Saturday, wounding two young men and two young women, police said.
The shooting was reported at 11:37 p.m. in a back yard in the 200 block of South Vernon Avenue, Azusa police said in a written statement.
The wounded ranged in age from 19 to 21, police said. Their identities were not released Sunday pending further investigation.
All were hospitalized with serious injuries Saturday, and all underwent surgery, according to the police statement. An update on their conditions was not available Sunday.
A motive or suspect description in the attack was unknown, Azusa police Sgt. Sam Fleming said. Police continued interviewing many witnesses Sunday.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Azusa Police Department.

Child struck, killed by SUV in Walnut

2010-02-08T03:00:42Z

WALNUT -- A 9-year-old boy was struck and killed by a motorist Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
Mauricio Vigo of Walnut died at a hospital shortly after the crash, Los Angeles County coroner's officials said.
He was riding a scooter downhill turning from Wesleyan Avenue onto Temple Avenue around 3:40 p.m. when he collided with a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 SUV being driven by a 49-year-old man, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Mike Browne said.
The driver was traveling west on Temple Avenue at the time of the collision, he added.
The boy was flown by helicopter to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles where he died, officials said.
The driver was not cited at the scene, Browne said, but the collision remained under investigation.

Two killed in Freeway crash in Industry

2010-02-07T07:04:24Z

INDUSTRY -- A man and woman died at the scene of a freeway crash early Saturday, authorities said.
Adrian Garcia, 25, of Anaheim and Maribel Rico, 31, of Chino died in the crash, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Investigator Jerry McKibben said.
The solo-vehicle crash was reported on the westbound Pomona (60) Freeway, just east of Crossroads Parkway, California Highway Patrol Officer J. Final said in a written statement.
Garcia was driving the 2007 Toyota and Rico was a passenger when it crashed for unknown reasons, Final said.
The cause of the crash was being investigated by the Santa Fe Springs Office of the Highway Patrol.
The right-hand lane of the 60 Freeway was shut down for about four hours following the crash, Final said.

Pasadena Police Department responds to report on Leroy Barnes, Jr. officer-invovled shooting

2010-02-06T04:32:48Z

PASADENA -- The Pasadena Police Department Friday said it has accepted 13 of 14 recommendations made in an independent report on the fatal officer-involved shooting of Leroy Barnes, Jr., and had begun implementing significant changes in police policy.
The Office of Independent Review filed a report in October on the shooting of the 38-year-old Pasadena man, parolee and gang member who was shot to death by two Pasadena officers during a traffic stop on Feb. 19, 2009. Also in October, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office concluded that no charges would be filed against the officers.
Pasadena Interim Chief of Police Christopher Vicino said the response was not required, and was issued voluntarily by the department.
It was done, "to show to the community that we followed through on what we said we were going to do, and implemented it, and now it's time to move forward," Vicino said. "It's just letting the public know what we did about this."
The only one of 14 recommendations the department declined to implement was one suggesting that police training officers be sent immediately to the scene of officer-involved shootings.
"We don't think doing (that) is possible," Vicino said, adding that the department has expert trainers in many various fields, and they would have to be kept on-call 24-hours a day to comply with the recommendation.
After surveying other Southern California police agencies such as Los Angeles, Burbank, Long Beach, Anaheim and Glendale, Vicino said, Pasadena officials found that other departments also do not have a policy of sending training officers to the scenes of officer-involved shootings.
Barnes' brother Nicholas Whitaker could not be reached for comment on this story.
Michael Gennaco, the chief attorney for the county Office of Independent Review who prepared the report, said he was impressed with Pasadena's "diligence" in adopting nearly all of his office's recommendations.
"Well 13 out of 14 is pretty good," Gennaco said. "It's clear that the department took it seriously and did its homework."
Gennaco said other departments have blindly accepted OIS recommendations in the past without showing how they plan to implement them. Pasadena, on the other hand, provided a detailed appendix showing detailed changes in department policy, Gennaco said.
The one recommendation Pasadena Police decided not to follow is based on a policy in place in Los Angeles County, Gennaco said.
"It's done here in LA County and it's done in a lot of other departments that are larger but maybe the size of the department makes it prohibitive at this point," Gennaco said.
Recommendations that were accepted by Pasadena police include training officers about problems with using leading questions, training officers on advising witnesses of their rights and making a written policy to ensure that officer-involved shooting investigation files are kept by the department at least as long as the involved officer's career.
To prevent inaccurate information from being released in the hours following officer-involved shootings, Vicino said, the department will only confirm that police have been involved in a shooting and the level of injuries involved during the first four hours of the investigation.
Twice during the hours following Barnes' shooting, inaccurate information was released by police to media outlets.
"Giving us that four hours to figure out what's going on in a very chaotic scene is the right way to do it," the chief said. "This case proved that to us. We're going to take our time."
Vicino defended the department's decision to not release the video tape capturing the Barnes shooting, though police officials initially said they would, saying he had no need or desire to do so.
"I don't think there's any value to showing someone die (in a video) that ends up on Youtube," he said.
"For the officers and the suspect in this, and the suspect's family, I just don't see any good in that," he added.
The chief added that the video cannot be released now because it is evidence in potential civil litigation against the city. Barnes' family has filed a wrongful death complaint against the city regarding the shooting.
The police response to the report said the the Pasadena Police Department has decided to make several other significant changes to improve service to the community.
All police officers will be required to spend 10 hours every other month in tactical training, and another 10 hours working in community outreach.
Officer scheduling has been reconfigured so that the additional duties will not cost the city extra money, and will actually save about $100,000.
The department is also in the process of buying a $75,000 shooting simulator trainer, Vicino said.
Vicino is currently the interim Chief of Police in Pasadena while the city searches for a permanent replacement for former chief Bernard Melekian, who left the department in November to take a job with the federal government. Sixty-six candidates have applied for the position, including Vicino.
Mayor Bill Bogaard wouldn't comment specifically on the department's decision not to adopt one of the 14 recommendations, but praised the department for making the vast majority of the changes the county suggested.
"I look at the report in the overall. OIR made comments and suggestions and 13 of the 14 were adopted not because what was done at the time was wrong, but this was an opportunity to strengthen our department."
In response to the police department decision to withhold information for up to four hours Bogaard said the department is seeking a balanced approach.
"I think it's important both to respond to the public request for information and be right," he said. "The police department's effort to be prompt after the event, led to misinformation."
Joe Brown, president of the NAACP Pasadena Chapter, also praised the department's report. Following the Barnes incident, Brown was critical of the department and called for greater transparency into investigations of officer involved shootings.
"I'm very glad that law enforcement is beginning to implement a lot of those changes," Brown said of the OIS's recommendations. "I'm glad that we're beginning to move into accepting outside evaluators to tell us when we're somewhat off the mark."
Vicino said he hoped the department's response to the shooting would help improve the relationship between law enforcement and the public.
"We want to do what it takes to heal these wounds and move forward," he said.

Suspects from Duarte arrest identified

2010-02-05T23:13:42Z

DUARTE -- Sheriff's officials Friday released the names of three suspected gang members arrested on various charges after fleeing from deputies in Duarte.
Alex Galves, 19, Hugo Ramirez, 18, and Francisco Martinez, 18, were arrested along with two teenagers, ages 16 and 17, after all five allegedly ran from deputies Thursday during a traffic stop near the Duarte Walmart, 1600 Mountain Avenue, sheriff's officials said.
All five are Duarte residents, and all five are believed to have ties to the Duarte Eastside gang, Sgt. Lynette O'Brien said Thursday.
Galves was booked on suspicion of felony evading, Ramirez was booked on suspicion of interfering with a police officer and outstanding burglary warrants and Martinez was booked on suspicion of interfering with a police officer and violating probation, Lt. Mark Glatt said.
One of the juveniles was jailed on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine for sales, and the other was suspected of possession of methamphetamine.
According to sheriff's booking records, Galves was being held in lieu of 74,000 bail, Martinez was being held on 56,000 bail and Martinez was being held without bail.

Chinook helicopters touch down at sheriff's Industry Station

2010-02-05T22:31:53Z

Twin-rotor military helicopters were spotted flying low over the San Gabriel Valley Thursday.

A group of Chinook helicopters briefly touched down one by one at the sheriff's Industry Station during a homeland security excercise being carried out by the U.S. Marines, sheriff's officials said.

* Courtesy photo

Man fatally shot in Rosemead

2010-02-05T22:18:45Z

ROSEMEAD -- Detectives sought information from the public Friday in the fatal shooting of a man in a residential neighborhood.
The dead man was identified only as an Asian man in his 40s pending notification of his family members, coroners officials said.
The shooting was reported just before 11:30 p.m. in 3100 block of Charlotte Avenue, Lt. Dave Coleman of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said.
Deputies from the sheriff's Temple Station responded to a report of suspicious circumstances and shots fired, he said.
"They found the victim lying on the sidewalk," Coleman said.
The man died at a hospital shortly after the shooting, according to Deputy Ed Hernandez.
He was unable to give investigators a statement before he died, Coleman said.
The initial caller reported hearing a male voice calling for help and a gunshot, sheriff's Lt. Mark Glatt said.
A motive or suspect description in the attack remained unknown Friday.
Though at least one person reported hearing the shooting, no one reported seeing what happened, Coleman said.
"It's a mystery," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Man wounded in Pico Rivera shooting

2010-02-05T06:04:09Z

PICO RIVERA -- A man was shot and wounded Thursday in what initially appeared to be a liquor store robbery gone bad, authorities said.
Deputies responded to a report of a robbery about 8:20 p.m. at J&M Liquor, 8940 E. Beverly Boulevard, and found a man who had been wounded in a shooting, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Jacqueline Sanchez said.
The wounded man, who appeared to be in his 30s, was taken to a trauma center with a gunshot wound, Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Sal Chavez said.
His condition was unknown, however he was conscious and alert when hospitalized, the captain said.
It was not clear if he was an employee of the liquor store, Sanchez said.
Deputies set up a search perimeter and continued hunting for the shooter late Thursday, Sanchez said. A description of the attacker or a motive in the shooting was not available.

Boy struck by pickup truck in West Covina

2010-02-05T05:37:20Z

WEST COVINA -- A 12-year-old boy was hospitalized but expected to survive after he was struck by a pickup truck while riding his skateboard Thursday, authorities said.
The crash occurred just before 7:50 p.m. at Sunset and Merced avenues, West Covina police Lt. Marty Sevilla said.
The initial investigation indicated the boy was riding his skateboard with another boy and texting on his cell phone just prior to the collision, Sevilla said.
He skated out into traffic, where he was struck by a southbound pickup truck being driven by a woman estimated to be 40 years old, he said.
He suffered injuries to one of his legs and his head, Sevilla said, however the injuries did not appear life-threatening.
The boy was in a crosswalk, the lieutenant said, but he apparently crossed against a red light.
The driver of the pickup truck was not cited or arrested, he added.

Armed man robs West Covina Denny's

2010-02-05T05:29:29Z

WEST COVINA -- A man brandished a handgun Thursday while robbing a Denny's restaurant, police said.
The crime occurred about 7:30 p.m. at the restaurant at 132 N. Grand Avenue, West Covina police Lt. Marty Sevilla said.
The robber entered the store, pulled up his shirt to show the handle of a handgun tucked into his waistband and demanded money from the manager, the lieutenant said.
The gunman fled after getting the cash, Sevilla added. Witnesses saw a black, newer-model SUV leaving the area, he said, however it was unclear if that vehicle was involved in the robbery.
Police described the robber as a white man in his 30s, about 6 feet 1 inch tall, about 210 pounds, unshaven, with tattoos on his hands and neck. He wore a black hat, a black T-shirt and blue jeans.

Man suspected of carrying concealed gun in Industry

2010-02-05T04:19:17Z

INDUSTRY -- Officials arrested a man on suspicion of carrying a concealed gun Thursday after he allegedly ran from deputies.
Joseph Brewer, 21, of Duarte was arrested in the incident, which occurred shortly after 10 a.m. near Valley Boulevard and Puente Avenues, at the border between Industry and Bassett, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Hiroshi Yokoyama said.
A deputy was patrolling in the area when he spotted two men who appeared suspicious, the lieutenant said.
The men ran from the deputy, and Brewer was captured nearby, Yokoyama said. He is believed to have gang ties.
A gun was found in the area believed to belong to Brewer, he added.
The second suspect was not found, Yokoyama said. He was also believed to be armed.
According to sheriff's booking records, Brewer was being held in lieu of $20,000 and is due for arraignment Monday in West Covina Superior Court.

Alleged Duarte gang members suspected of possessing meth for sales

2010-02-05T03:43:44Z

DUARTE -- Deputies arrested five suspected gang members Thursday on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine for sales, authorities said.
The suspects are two teenage boys, ages 16 and 17, two 18-year-old men and one 19-year-old man, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Mark Glatt said. Sheriff's gang investigators declined to release the adult suspects' names pending further investigation.
The suspects are all believed to be members of the Duarte Eastside gang, Sgt. Lynette O'Brien.
Gang deputies were tried to pull over a car about 3:30 p.m. near the parking lot of Walmart, 1600 Mountain Avenue, O'Brien said.
The five young men inside the car got out and ran from deputies, she said, but all were captured in the area.
One of the suspects was taken into custody inside the store, she added.
O'Brien said the suspects were found to be in possession of methamphetamine that appeared to be packaged for sales.

Bail bondsman and former police officer denies charges in court

2010-02-05T03:30:32Z

LOS ANGELES -- A Hacienda Heights bail bondsman and former Los Angeles police officer pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he illegally solicited bail from prisoners while working as a bail bond agent, authorities said.
Edwin Sunmin Lee, 39, is accused of six felony counts, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said in a written statement.
Lee retired from the Los Angeles Police Department in April of 2005 after admitting to a felony charge of filing a false police report, according to the statement.
He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in Los Angeles Superior Court Feb. 23 for a preliminary hearing, DA's spokeswoman Shiara Dávila-Morales said.
The charges include two counts each of approaching prisoners to solicit bail, approaching prisoners to solicit bail inside a jail facility and failing to keep records of the solicitations, Dávila-Morales said.
Lee could not be reached for comment Thursday.
He has an active bail bondsman license and uses a business address in Koreatown, according to the California Department of Insurance.
The alleged incidents took place at the Van Nuys jail on or about July 27, 2008 and Feb. 10, 2009, she said.
"In essence, the defendant is accused of going to the Van Nuys jail and soliciting Korean-speaking arrestees to post their bail," Dávila-Morales said. Lee himself speaks Korean.
Bail bond agents are legally prohibited from approaching people to solicit bail, the added. The arrestee must first approach the agent.
Furthermore, she added, it's a separate felony to solicit bail in a jail facility.
No records were kept of the alleged solicitations, she added, which amounts to another felony.
If convicted, Lee faces up to three years and eight months in prison.
The case is being investigated by the DA's Justice System Integrity Division.

West Covina man admits running Latex glove Ponzi scheme

2010-02-04T21:40:10Z

From the Associated Press:

LOS ANGELES -- A San Gabriel Valley man has pleaded guilty to running a Ponzi scheme that stole nearly $700,000 from victims who thought they were investing in latex gloves following the 2001 terrorist attacks and anthrax scare.
Federal prosecutors say 36-year-old Miguel Salazar pleaded guilty Tuesday to a mail fraud
charge in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say Salazar, who ran SF Capital with his former partner, Carlos Flores, promised
investors quarterly returns of 5 percent.
He told investors that the attacks of 9/11 and concerns about infectious disease would mean
growing demand for SF Capital's product, latex gloves.
Prosecutors say Salazar used investors' money for his personal benefit, including luxury seats at Dodger Stadium worth $140,000.
He faces 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 3.