Bicyclist injured in Rosemead drive-by shooting


ROSEMEAD >> A bicyclist escaped with minor injuries following a drive-by shooting in Rosemead early Sunday, authorities said.
The shooting occurred about 12:30 a.m. as a 43-year-old El Monte man was riding a bicycle east along Garvey Avenue, near Walnut Grove Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Sgt. James Long said.
The victim saw a white full-size pickup truck pass by, also heading east, the sergeant said. An arm emerged from the passenger side of the truck before the victim saw flashes and heard the sounds of gunfire.
He suffered grazing wounds to two of his fingers, Long said. The attack caused the victim to crash his bike, and the attackers sped away.
Long said the man rode to his home in El Monte before notifying authorities of the shooting. The motive was unclear.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information can reach the sheriff’s Temple Station at 626-285-7171. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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Rosemead man jailed following San Gabriel police chase

SAN GABRIEL >> Police arrested a Rosemead man, with help from a K-9, after he led them on a lengthy pursuit on Saturday morning, officials said.
Leonel Cordova, 43, was expected to be booked on suspicion of evading police, resisting or obstructing officers and an outstanding warrant stemming from a drug-related case, San Gabriel police Sgt. Rebecca Gomez said. He was being treated at a hospital for dog bite wounds to his arm on Saturday afternoon before being taken to jail.
The chase began after officers tried to pull over Cordova for a routine traffic violation in the area of San Gabriel Boulevard and Marshall Street, the sergeant said. Cordoza refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit.
The pickup truck got into the westbound 10 Freeway, then the southbound 710 Freeway, Gomez said. The driver briefly stopped at the 3rd Street offramp of the 710 Freeway, but then accelerated away and resumed the chase.
Cordova ultimately made his way to the Calvary Cemetery, 4201 Whittier Blvd. in Los Angeles, according to Gomez. He exited his car, but refused numerous police orders to surrender, both in English and in Spanish.
Officers ultimately used a police K-9 to subdue Cordova before taking him into custody, she said.
The pickup truck is registered to Cordova, Gomez said. Police planned to have a blood sample examined to determine whether he was under the influence of any substances.

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Man sentenced for double-murder of girlfriend’s grandparents in Rosemead

A judge sentenced a 28-year-old men to spend the rest of his life in a prison cell for fatally stabbing his then-14-year-old girlfriend’s grandparents to death as they slept in their bed in their Rosemead home nearly seven years ago.
A jury convicted Rodolfo Lopez late last year of two counts of first-degree murder, along with the special allegation of multiple murders for the Aug. 10, 2010, double-stabbing in the 4200 block of Arica Avenue, in which the elderly victims were stabbed more than 150 times, according to Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials and proscutors.
Jack Bezner, 71, and his wife Susan Bezner, 64, died in the attack, officials said.
Their granddaughter, then-14-year-old Sophia Cristo, lived with them. She carried out the attack with Lopez, then-21, after the grandparents discovered Cristo had been involved in a check forgery scam and threatened to notify authorities, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Sarah Ardalani.
During Lopez’s appearance Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Judge Craig Richman sentenced the killer to life in prison without the possibility of parole, court officials said.
Jurors convicted Cristo in March of 2015 of the murders of her grandparents.
The jury also found true the special circumstances of lying in wait and multiple murders, as well as the special allegation that she personally used a knife to stab her grandmother. Susan Bezner was stabbed 112 times during the grisly attack.
Though the couple was attacked as they slept in their bed, evidence indicated they fought for their lives before ultimately succumbing to their wounds, prosecutors said.
Investigators found and arrested Lopez and Cristo two days after the murders as they were driving the Bezners’ stolen SUV through Horison City, Texas.
Though the special allegation of multiple murders made Lopez eligible for the death penalty, prosecutors did not seek capital punishment in the case.
Cristo was ineligible for capital punishment due to her age at the time of the slayings.
Cristo also faces life in prison without the possibility of parole when she returns to court for sentencing on July 18.

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San Gabriel man killed in fiery Rosemead SUV crash identified


ROSEMEAD >> Coroner’s officials have identified a 24-year-old man who died in a fiery solo-vehicle crash along Rosemead Boulevard in Rosemead last week.
Eric Salazar Cruz of San Gabriel died in the 12:40 a.m. crash on May 12 in the 4500 block of Rosemead Boulevard, according to Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner records.
He was believed to be driving an SUV at “a high rate of speed” when he lost control and the SUV struck a wall, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. John McClure said. The vehicle burst into flames and was fully engulfed when first responders arrived at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation, and Cruz’s cause of death was yet to be determined.

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Probation compliance check in Rosemead turns up 2,000 pills, 4 guns; brothers jailed

ROSEMEAD >> What began as a probation compliance check in Rosemead on Tuesday led deputies to discover a cache of 2,000 pills and four guns, including two AR-15 rifles, authorities said. Two brothers who live at the home were jailed.
Khamsana Jimmy Phimmasone, 35, who is already on probation for a previous narcotics conviction, was booked on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, according to Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials and booking records.
His brother, 34-year-old Donny Phimmasone, was booked on suspicion of possession of drugs for sales.
Deputies visited the home in the 3700 block of Strang Avenue to ensure Khamsana Phimmasone was abiding by the terms of his probation, Sgt. Tony Duong of the sheriff’s Temple City Station said. His younger brother also lives at the home.
“The search resulted in the discovery of narcotics and several firearms including, two AR-15 rifles, a shotgun, a handgun, ammunition and approximately 2000 pills of a controlled substance,” sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
Several varieties of pills were found, Duong said. They were sent to the sheriff’s crime lab for analysis to determine what exactly they contain.
Khamsana was immediately sentenced to a 10-day “flash incarceration” following his arrest on Tuesday, which is generally used for felons being supervised under the terms of AB 109 probation. Police officials could not confirm whether he was on AB 109 “post-release community supervision.”
According to Los Angeles County Superior Court records, his past convictions include: possession of restricted or dangerous drugs in 2004; auto theft and recklessly evading police in 2002; as well as possession of methamphetamine, auto theft and burglary in 2001.
According to county booking records, Khamsana Phimmasone was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail, while Donny Phimmasone was being held in lieu of $30,000 bail. Both were scheduled to appear in the El Monte branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court.

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Man arrested in Rosemead in connection with Chinatown double-fatal stabbing

CHINATOWN AP

ROSEMEAD >> Police arrested a suspect in Rosemead on Friday in connection with the fatal stabbing of two senior citizens at a Chinatown social club on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Detectives tracked down and arrested double-murder suspect Vinh Quok Dao, 37, about 4:30 p.m. in Rosemead, Los Angeles police officials said in a written statement.
The deadly attack took place about 2:40 p.m. on Thursday at the Hop Sing Tong Benevolent Association club at 428 Gin Ling Way, between Broadway Avenue and Hill Street,
Dao had previously been a member of the club, but had just returned to Los Angeles after being estranged for several years, officials said. He entered the club Thursday afternoon and demanded that one of the members, whom he knew, give him $400 to pay for vehicle impound fees.
“When the member refused to cooperate, Dao exhibited a 6-inch, Buck-style knife and attacked him,” according to the statement. “Another member tried to come to the victim’s aid, but Dao also attacked that person.”
Both victims died from their wounds at the scene.
The attacker fled the scene, initiating a manhunt. A bloodhound was brought into join in the search, but the suspect was not found on Thursday.
The attacker left behind a trail of blood, investigators said. It was not initially clear if the suspect himself was wounded, or if the blood was that of the victims.
“Central Homicide Detectives, along with the support of a joint apprehension task force, located Dao in Rosemead, California, around 4:30 p.m. (Friday) afternoon,” the statement said. “He was taken into custody without incident.”
Further details regarding Dao’s apprehension were not available late Friday.
Dao was expected to appear in Los Angeles Superior Court for an arraignment hearing on Tuesday.
The identities of the two victims, both described as club members in their 60s, were not released Friday pending positive identification and notification of their families, Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner officials said.
“The victims are both of Chinese descent and longtime members of the club,” according to the LAPD statement. “They spent most of their days at the club playing mahjong and visiting with friends.”
Anyone with information can reach LAPD Detective Tricia Hauck at 213-996-1878, or the LAPD’s 24-hour tip line at 877-527-3247. Tips may also be submitted anonymously online to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
— The Associated Press contributed to this report.

PHOTO via the Associated Press

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Man robs Rosemead bank branch


ROSEMEAD >> A man carried out a robbery at a bank branch inside a Rosemead Walmart store on Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
The heist took place about 3 p.m. at a U.S. Bank branch inside of the Walmart Supercenter, 1827 Walnut Grove Ave., Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Tom McNeil said.
A robber approached a teller and handed over a note demanding cash, the lieutenant said. He also demanded money verbally.
Though he claimed to have a gun, no weapon was seen during the crime, McNeil said.
The robber was last seen fleeing on foot after obtaining an undetermined amount of cash from the teller. No getaway car was seen.
Deputies described the robber as a Latino man, between 35 and 40 years old, wearing a blue plaid shirt, blue jeans and a black hat.
The FBI joined sheriff’s deputies in the investigation.
Anyone with information can reach the sheriff’s Temple Station at 626-285-7171. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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Man guilty in double-slaying of ex-girlfriend’s grandparents in Rosemead

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ROSEMEAD >> A jury convicted a man of fatally stabbing his then-14-year-old girlfriend’s grandparents more than 150 times in their Rosemead home six years ago.
A Los Angeles Superior Court jury deliberated for two days before convicting Rodolfo Lopez of two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the Aug. 9, 2010, slayings of Jack Bezner, 71, and Susan Bezner, 64, at their home in the 4200 block of Arica Avenue, according to Los Angeles County District Attorneys’ officials.
His former girlfriend, 20-year-old Sophia Cristo, was convicted in March of 2015 of two counts of first-degree murder, prosecutors said. Jurors also found true the special circumstances of lying in wait and multiple murders, along with the special allegation that she personally used a knife to stab her grandmother, who was wounded 112 times.
Both Jack and Susan Bezner were attacked as they slept in bed, officials said. Evidence indicated they fought for their lives, Deputy District Attorney Scott McPheron told jurors during Cristo’s trial.
Cristo lived with her grandparent prior the brutal slayings, officials said. It was alleged Cristo orchestrated the killings over a dispute with her grandparents.
“The prosecutor argued in his closing that Cristo had been involved in a check forgery scam,” district attorney’s office spokeswoman Sarah Ardalani said.
“The grandparents found out. They threatened to put her in juvenile hall,” Ardalani said. Cristo then allegedly decided to kill them.
Cristo and Lopez are both expected to receive life prison terms, without the possibility of parole, when they return to court for sentencing on Jan. 24, Ardalani said.
Cristo was not eligible for the death penalty because she was a juvenile at the time of the crimes, though she was charged as an adult. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty against Lopez, who was 21 at the time of the double murder, Ardalani said.
Prosecutors argued that Lopez personally wielded the knife in Jack Bezner’s slaying, however jurors did not find that allegation to be true, Ardalani said.
Police apprehended Lopez and Cristo two days after the murders, according to El Paso Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jesse Tovar.
Authorities used a LoJack vehicle anti-theft system to track the suspects down as they drove through Horison City, Texas, in the Bezners’ SUV.

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Creepy clown reports draw cops to schools in Pasadena, Rosemead

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Sightings, rumors and online chatter about menacing, sometimes-armed creepy clowns hanging around near Los Angeles County schools drew police responses on Thursday, but resulted in no arrests or incidents.
Police in Pasadena responded to Wilson Middle School, 300 Madre Street, about 10:45 a.m. in response to a “non-specific threat” involving possible sightings of clowns at the school, Pasadena police Lt. Mark Goodman said.
Officials evacuated the school and searched the campus, ultimately finding nothing unusual, Goodman said.
Students at Willard Elementary School, across the street, “sheltered in place” as police search the area and the Wilson campus, Pasadena Unified School District officials said.
The threat was determined to be “completely unfounded,” Goodman said. No further details regarding the nature of the reported threat were available.
“(Police) thoroughly assessed the entire campus. There was no threat on campus,” Wilson Principal Sarah Rudchenko said in a statement sent to parents.
The school resumed normal operation about 11:45 a.m.
“Teachers will be providing students with an opportunity to discuss and debrief the incident,” Rudchenko said. “Counselors will be on site to assist if needed.”
In Rosemead, an officials Mildred B. Janson Elementary School, 8628 Marshall Street, called deputies about 1:30 p.m. to report seeing what appeared to be someone dressed as a clown near the campus, possibly carrying a handgun, Lt. John McClure of the sheriff’s Temple City Station said.
Deputies searched the area, but did not find any clowns, armed or otherwise, he said.
Police in Montebello were also keeping an eye out after receiving word that social media posts had indicated the creepy clowns would be showing up soon in their city.
Glendora police arrested a 19-year-old Azusa man Wednesday on suspicion of criminal threats after he posted messaged via social media involving clown-related threats against his alma mater, Sierra High School, as well as vague threats in the city of El Monte.
The suspect, 19-year-old William Salazar, indicated to detectives the threats were intended to be a joke.

PHOTO: Pennywise the clown, from Stephen King’s 1990 film, “It.”

 

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Man wounded in Rosemead stabbing


ROSEMEAD >> A man was found suffering from stab wounds outside a Rosemead convenience store on Saturday afternoon but refused to tell investigators what had happened, officials said.
Deputies responded to reports of a bleeding man about 4:35 p.m. outside a 7-Eleven store on San Gabriel Boulevard, just south of Hellman Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Frank Ruiz said.
The victim had stab wounds to his shoulder and hand, the lieutenant said. He was hospitalized in stable condition.
But the victim, a man in his 30s who was believed to be intoxicated, would not cooperate with deputies, he said. The circumstances surrounding how the man ended up wounded remained unclear, an no information regarding a suspect was available.

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