Shots fired in Baldwin Park neighborhood

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Brian Day

BALDWIN PARK >> Bullets struck a parked car, but injured no one, during a drive-by shooting in a residential neighborhood in Baldwin Park Saturday afternoon.
The shots were fired about 4:30 p.m. in the 13200 block of Francisquito Avenue, Baldwin Park police Sgt. Shawn Blackburn said.
Officers found a car that had been struck by gunfire, but no gunshot victims either at the scene or at area hospitals, he said.
A silver vehicle was seen fleeing the area immediately after the shooting, he said. No further details were available.

CHP chase turns into rescue after fiery crash in Baldwin Park

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Brian Day

BALDWIN PARK >> A California Highway Patrol pursuit instantly turned into a rescue operation Wednesday after a fleeing stolen SUV with three people inside crashed and burst into flames in Baldwin Park, authorities said.
All three occupants of the car suffered significant injuries but were expected to survive following the crash, which took place shortly after 2:20 p.m. at Garvey Avenue and Big Dalton Avenue, CHP Officer Rodrigo Jimenez said.
Officers were chasing a stolen Toyota RAV4 when it crashed and burst into flames, he said. The same officers then pulled the driver and two passengers from the burning wreckage.
Officers were chasing a stolen Toyota RAV4 when it crashed and burst into flames,” he said.
“What these guys did was heroic,” Jimenez said.
Driver Ruben Cabrera Jr., 35, of Montebello was booked on suspicion of auto theft, felony evading of police causing great bodily injury and possession of methamphetamine. He was also already being sought for alleged parole violations.
Cabrera suffered injuries including broken ribs in the crash, Jimenez said. He was treated for his injuries before being booking into jail.
A 27-year-old woman who was riding as a rear passenger suffered a mostly-severed arm, the officer said. Surgeons had reattached the arm Thursday, however the ultimate prognosis was unclear.
A 16-year-old girl who was two to three months pregnant and riding as a front passenger in the SUV suffered injuries including a broken wrist, Jimenez said.
Officers first spotted the Toyota RAV4 speeding in the fast lane of the westbound 10 Freeway near Puente Avenue, Jimenez said. The SUV suddenly exited the freeway at Fransicquito Avenue and blew through a stop sign at Garvey and Vineland avenues.
Officers tried to pull the SUV over, but the driver sped off, initiating a chase, he said.
But the driver lost control of the vehicle as it rounded a bend where Garvey Avenue becomes Big Dalton Avenue, striking several trees and shearing a fire hydrant, Jimenez said.
The SUV’s gas tank ruptured and the RAV4 burst into flames, he said.
The pursuing officers suddenly became rescuers as they freed the three trapped occupants from the burning car, Jimenez said.
The officers pulled the driver from the SUV, he said. “That’s when they heard screaming from inside the car. The fire started growing. They saw that there was a female passenger in the right rear.”
Officer managed to pull out the rear passenger and discovered the 16-year-old passenger also trapped in the front passenger seat.
As the fire continued to grow larger, the officers cut the seat belt of the third and final occupant and freed her from the flaming wreck, Jimenez said.
According to Los Angeles County booking records, Cabrera was being held without bail at the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles pending his initial court appearance, scheduled Friday in West Covina Superior Court.

Baldwin Park man fatally struck by car near home identified

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Brian Day

BALDWIN PARK >> Coroner’s officials Friday released the identity of a 30-year-old Baldwin Park man who was fatally struck by a car while riding his bike near his home late Thursday.
James Hernandez died in the 9:23 p.m. collision at Baldwin Park Boulevard and La Rica Avenue, according to Ed Winter, assistant chief of operations at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. He lived just around the corner from the crash scene on La Rica Avenue.
He was riding a bicycle across Baldwin Park Boulevard when he was struck by a northbound BMW sedan, Baldwin Park police Lt. Mark Adams said.
Paramedics pronounced Hernandez dead at the scene.
The driver of the BMW, a 19-year-old man, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, Adams said.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Baldwin Park Police Department’s Traffic Bureau.

UPDATED: Bicyclist killed in Baldwin Park collision

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Brian Day

BALDWIN PARK >> A man died after being struck by car while riding his bike along Baldwin Park Boulevard late Thursday, authorities said.
The collision was first reported just before 9:25 p.m. at Baldwin Park Boulevard and La Rica Avenue, Los Angeles County Fire Department Dispatch Supervisor Kyle Sanford said.
Paramedics pronounced the cyclist dead at the scene, he said.
The bicyclist was believed to be a 30-year-old Baldwin Park man, Baldwin Park police Lt. Mark Adams said. His name was not available pending positive identification and notification of family.
He was crossing Baldwin Park Boulevard in an unknown direction when he collided with a northbound BMW sedan, the lieutenant said.
Officials initially summoned a helicopter to rush the man to a hospital, but cancelled the airship once it became clear he didn’t make it, Sanford said.
The 19-year-old man at the wheel of the BMW remained at the scene and cooperated with police, Adams said. There were no overt signs of DUI, and no arrests or citations were initially made.
Traffic flows unimpeded north and south along Baldwin Park Boulevard at the intersection, while eastbound and westbound traffic on La Rica Avenue is regulated by stop signs.
Police traffic investigators continued working to recreate the collision scene into the early morning hours Friday.
Anyone with information can reach the Baldwin Park Police Department at 626-960-1955.

Three wounded in Baldwin Park car-to-car shooting; possible suspects detained after chase

Posted on June 5, 2016 by Brian Day

BALDWIN PARK >> Three young men suffered gunshot wounds in a car-to-car attack in Baldwin Park early Sunday morning, authorities said.
Two suspects were arrested following a pursuit that originated in Baldwin Park about the same time as the shooting took place, and detectives were investigating the possibility the two incident were related.
The shooting occurred about 2 a.m. in the area of Ramona Boulevard and Badillo Street, Baldwin Park police Sgt. Shawn Blackburn said.
The three young men, along with a teen who was not struck by the gunfire, were riding in a car when gunshots rang out from another vehicle, officials said.
Blackburn said the car continued driving east for about three miles before coming to a stop at Badillo Street and Phillips Avenue, across the city border in West Covina.
One of the victims was hospitalized in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery, he said. The other two victims were in stable condition.
All three wounded men were in their late teens or 20s, West Covina Fire Department Capt. Esteban Rodriguez said.
Just before authorities received word of the shooting, Baldwin Park officers were involved with a pursuit of a pickup truck, police said.
Officers chased the fleeing truck to Rosemead, but cancelled the pursuit due to safety concerns, Blackburn said.
But a helicopter continued following the truck as it headed back east toward West Covina, where West Covina police resumed the chase.
The pursuit led back to Baldwin Park, where the driver and passenger ultimately stopped and surrendered, police said. Their identities were not available Sunday morning.
“The investigations regarding both incidents are ongoing, and it has not been confirmed that they are related at this time,” Baldwin Park police said in a written statement.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Baldwin Park police Capt. Joe Bartolotti at 626-960-1955. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

Cops visit dozens of San Gabriel Valley parolees, probationers; 4 arrested, weapons and drugs seized

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Brian Day

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY >> San Gabriel Valley sheriff’s deputies and police officers arrested four suspects and recovered weapons and drugs Tuesday when they teamed up for a compliance sweep targeting parolees and those under AB 109 felony probation in the San Gabriel Valley, officials said.
More than 40 law enforcement officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the West Covina, Covina, Baldwin Park took part in the early-morning operation, joined by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, state parole agents, county probation officers and representatives from the County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services, according to sheriff’s Lt. Pete Cacheiro, who oversees law enforcement for the city of La Puente.
After visiting more than 30 homes of convicts, officials arrested a parolee for being a felon in possession of a loaded handgun in La Puente, Cacheiro said.
Officials arrested three AB 109 probationers in West Covina, he said. One was arrested for possession of a Taser by a felon, one was jailed for possession of ammunition by a felon and one is accused of possession of methamphetamine for sales.
The task force operation, “exemplified out community policing strategies,” Cacheiro said.
La Puente City Manager David Carmany commended the effort in a written statement. “
“Our local law enforcement strives to maintain our communities safe and provide quality services to our residents,” he said.

Law enforcement officers from agencies throughout the San Gabriel Valley prepare for parole and probation compliance sweep at their command post at the Plaza West Covina shopping mall on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. (Courtesy, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

SWAT team searches in Baldwin Park for suspect in shooting of West Covina police officer

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Brian Day

BALDWIN PARK >> Sheriff’s SWAT deputies conducted a search operation in Baldwin Park Sunday in connection to the shooting of a West Covina police officer over the weekend as the wounded officer was released from the hospital, authorities said.
The manhunt began immediately after Friday’s 11:20 p.m. gunfight between a West Covina officer and 47-year-old suspect Jose Luis Chavez Friday on Yaleton Avenue, just north of Badillo Street in West Covina.
Police officers and deputies from throughout the region searched the neighborhood en masse in the hours following the shooting, but came up empty-handed.
But the investigation continued, ultimately leading officials to a home in the area of Durness Street and Vineland Avenue in Baldwin Park on Sunday, where heavily armed and specially trained deputies from the sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau conducted a search for the suspect, according to sheriff’s and Baldwin Park police officials.
Authorities announced the search was concluded about 6 p.m., but the suspect remained at large.
“We are actively investigating and searching for this suspect,” Deputy Kimberly Alexander of the sheriff’s Information Bureau said. “He is armed and dangerous.”
Meanwhile, the injured officer was recovering well after suffering a through-and-through wound to his abdomen, West Covina Police Chief David Faulkner said.
“Our officer was released from the hospital this afternoon and is home resting,” the chief said via Twitter.
The officer approached Chavez, who was riding a bicycle, when Chavez began shooting, according to Deputy Trina Schrader of the sheriff’s Information Bureau.
The officer was struck in the torso but returned fire, officials said. It was unclear whether Chavez was wounded before he fled the scene and escaped.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, which is spearheading the investigation, at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

PHOTOS [Above] – Baldwin Park search operation on Sunday, May 22, 2016. (Courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Departrment) [Below] – Shooting suspect Jose Luis Chavez, 47. (Courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

CHP to host free ‘Start Smart’ class for teen drivers in Baldwin Park

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Brian Day

BALDWIN PARK >> The California Highway Patrol is inviting young drivers and their parents to take part in a free, two-hour class geared to improve safety on the road.
The “Start Smart” class will be held from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the CHP’s Baldwin Park area office, 14039 Francisquito Ave., according to CHP Officer Rodrigo Jimenez.
“The primary objective of this program is to provide teens between the ages of 15 and 19 with an interactive safe driving awareness class to illustrate how poor choices behind the wheel can tragically impact many lives,” Jimenez said.
“Officers will demonstrate with the use of videos and pictures how poor choices behind the wheel can lead to tragic consequences,” he said.
Instructors will also discuss collision avoidance techniques and other aspects of safe driving.
“The class is powerful and receives excellent reviews,” Jimenez said. Parents or guardians are required to attend along with their children.
Seating is limited and early reservations are recommended. To RSVP, email Officer Jimenez at rjimenez@chp.ca.gov.

Suspect crashes following chase from El Monte to Baldwin Park

Posted on May 1, 2016 by Brian Day

EL MONTE >> A domestic violence suspect “erratically” driving a stolen car led El Monte police on a chase before crashing in Baldwin Park late Saturday, officials said.
Cesar Antonio Bobadilla, 23, of El Monte was ultimately booked on suspicion of domestic violence, auto theft, evading police, hit-and-run and resisting arrest following the chase, which began about 7:55 p.m., El Monte police Sgt. Richard Luna said in a written statement.
El Monte police had been seeking him in connection with an alleged April 16 battery on his girlfriend when officers spotted him driving a Black Acura Integra at Parkway Drive and Elliot Avenue, Luna said.
“The officer attempted a traffic stop of Bobadilla where upon Bobadilla accelerated his vehicle at a high rate of speed and fled. A vehicle pursuit ensued throughout the City of El Monte and then into the City of Baldwin Park,” Luna said.
“Bobadilla drove erratically, lost control of his vehicle and collided into a tree at the intersection of Los Angeles St. and Bresee Ave. (in) Baldwin Park,” the sergeant said.
The suspect ran from the crash, but was soon found hiding in a residential backyard in the 13900 block of Belgate Street, police said. The Acura he had been driving was found to have been reported stolen.
Officials took Bobadilla to a hospital for treatment of injuries suffered in the crash before booking him into jail.
According to Los Angeles County booking records, he was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail pending his initial court appearance.

BOOKING PHOTO of Cesar Antonio Bobadilla, 23, of El Monte. (Courtesy, El Monte Police Department)

Bicyclist critically injured in collision with UPS truck in Baldwin Park

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Brian Day

BALDWIN PARK >> A bicyclist suffered major injuries when he was involved in a collision with a UPS truck along Baldwin Park Boulevard on Friday, authorities said.
The collision took place about 5:50 p.m. in the 1100 block of Baldwin Park Boulevard, in front of a UPS facility just south of the 10 Freeway, Baldwin Park police Sgt. Darryl Kosaka said.
The big rig was pulling into a driveway when it struck the bicyclist, who was traveling along the boulevard, he said.
Paramedics took the badly injured cyclist to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
The investigation is ongoing. No further details were available Saturday afternoon.

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