Recently in Hacienda Heights Category
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- A man was held for psychiatric evaluation Tuesday following a standoff after he was seen firing a BB or airsoft gun in the neighborhood, shattering a neighbor's window, officials said.
The incident was first reported about 9:30 a.m. when a neighbor reported seeing a "man with a gun," in the 15000 of Cargreen Ave., Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Raymond Enriquez said.
Follow-up reports indicated that a window had been smashed, however the gun may be a BB or airsoft gun, and the alleged gunman was a possibly schizophrenic neighbor who was now in his backyard.
Police cautiously encircled the home and ordered the man out, Enriquez said. After about two hours, the man's father convinced him to come outside and surrender.
Deputies took the man for a psychological evaluation and wrote a vandalism report for the damaged window, Enriquez said.
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- A 60-year-old man who interrupted two burglars breaking into his vehicle was kidnapped then later abandoned by his captors Friday night, deputies said.
The incident happened at 6:40 p.m. in the 16300 block of Rochlen Street.
Sheriff's Lt. Victor Sotelo said it looks like the resident walked out of the house and saw the car burglary.
"He started fighting, yelling," Sotelo said.
The yelling drew the attention of a neighbor who came out of his house. Sotelo said the suspects then shoved the 60-year-old into their van and took off.
"They dropped him off at Garfield Avenue and the 60 Freeway in Monterey Park," Sotelo said.
He added the victim used a payphone to call his family. Deputies were still at the Rochlen Street house when the man called relatives.
The only description given so far for the suspects are two Latinos in a tan van.
- Ruby Gonzales
HACIENDA HEIGHTS - A high-speed police pursuit of a motorcycle carrying a man and woman ended in a crash on the 60 Freeway late Tuesday, officials said.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Northeast Station began chasing the motorcycle, which had been reported stolen, about 9:45 p.m., LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera said.
The high-speed pursuit continued for about half an hour until it reached the eastbound 60 Freeway at 7th Avenue, officials said. The motorcycle rear-ended a car and tumbled end-over-end, throwing both riders into the roadway.
The riders, a man and woman, were reportedly in police custody as they were being treated at a hospital for serious injuries.
ROWLAND HEIGHTS -- A bank robbery Wednesday was the work of a serial robber connected to two other crimes dating back to July of last year, authorities said.
The "Stretch Bandit" paid a visit to the Bank of the West, 19005 E. Colima Road, about 10:30 a.m., according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.
It was his second robbery at the same bank, which he also robbed on July 12 of last year, officials said.
The same man is also suspected in a July 6, 2011 robbery at a U.S. Bank Branch on Hacienda Boulevard in Hacienda Heights, Eimiller said.
The FBI calls him the "Stretch Bandit" because of his physical description, FBI officials said. He stands about 6 feet 3 inches tall and is of thin build -- about 190 pounds.
The bandit is 35 to 42 years old, and a white, 4-door Honda Accord with a tinted rear window and the first two license plate numbers of "3Z" has been spotted in connection with the crimes.
Sheriff's officials further described him as having blonde hair and blue eyes.
The robbers passes tellers notes demanding cash and claiming that he has a gun, FBI officials said, though no weapons have been seen during the robberies.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI's 24-hour line in Los
Angeles at 310-477-6565.
PHOTOS courtesy of the FBI
LA PUENTE -- Thieves with a penchant for copper wire have hit five schools in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District since November.
In an effort to stop the copper culprits, the school district is offering a $2,000 reward and partnered with WeTip. The reward is for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief or thieves.
District officials think the thieves were hitting campuses after school hours.
Sergio Cazorla, coordinator of risk management for the district, said that typically, school employees would come to work and discover the theft.
He said the estimated damages per school ranged from $5,000 to $15,000. That includes labor, materials and the cost of replacing the copper wire.
"We're already strapped for cash and for these people to steal copper wire from a school. It's saddening," he said.
"We want to put an end to the thefts."
The unidentified suspects struck at Newton Middle School, 15616 Newton St. in Hacienda Heights, Los Robles Academy, 1530 Ridley Ave. in Hacienda Heights, Cedarlane Academy, 16333 Cedarlane Drive in Hacienda Heights, Sunset Elementary, 800 N. Tonopah Ave. in La Puente.
School Police Chief Anthony Argott said the most recent theft occurred at Orange Grove Middle School on Jan. 3. The school is at 14505 Orange Grove Ave. in Hacienda Heights.
Cazorla said they have no description of the thieves.
"We have no information so we really need (the public's) help. If they see anything, call WeTip. Help us please," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME. Tips can also be left online at www.WeTip.com
- Ruby Gonzales
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- A young man was shot and wounded late Friday while playing basketball on a residential street, officials said.
The victim and another young man were playing basketball in the street at Walbrook Drive and Olympus Avenue about 9 p.m. when a vehicle passed by and someone inside opened fire, Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputy Russell Verduzco said.
The victim, who was shot in the elbow, was taken by private car to an area hospital where he was treated, officials said. His companion was not injured.
Neither man was believed to have gang ties, Verduzco added.
No description of the shooter or the vehicle was available.
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- Deputies jailed three attempted burglary suspects Thursday after a witness reported seeing them trying to break into a neighbor's house, authorities said.
Jordan Saunders, 20, of Los Angeles, Derrick Thompson, 21, and Joshua Allen, 20, all of Los Angeles, were booked on suspicion of attempted burglary, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Vic Sotelo said.
Someone called authorities about noon to report three suspicious men who looked like they were trying to force their way into a neighboring home, the lieutenant said.
The suspects had left the home by the time deputies arrived, Sotelo said, however one was found in a car about a block away, and the other two were found walking about two blocks from the home.
"They all provided us conflicting stories as to what they were doing there," he said.
"Upon examination of the house, we observed a pried off window screen," Sotelo said. "We matched the pry marks with a prying tool that was located in the vehicle."
According to county booking records, Saunders and Thompson were being held in lieu of $20,000 each, while Allen was being held in lieu of $23,122. All three men were due for arraignment Monday in West Covina Superior Court.
Jordan Saunders, 20, of Los Angeles, Derrick Thompson, 21, and Joshua Allen, 20, all of Los Angeles, were booked on suspicion of attempted burglary, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Vic Sotelo said.
Someone called authorities about noon to report three suspicious men who looked like they were trying to force their way into a neighboring home, the lieutenant said.
The suspects had left the home by the time deputies arrived, Sotelo said, however one was found in a car about a block away, and the other two were found walking about two blocks from the home.
"They all provided us conflicting stories as to what they were doing there," he said.
"Upon examination of the house, we observed a pried off window screen," Sotelo said. "We matched the pry marks with a prying tool that was located in the vehicle."
According to county booking records, Saunders and Thompson were being held in lieu of $20,000 each, while Allen was being held in lieu of $23,122. All three men were due for arraignment Monday in West Covina Superior Court.
HACIENDA HEIGHTS - Two children were injured after they were ejected during a two-car collision Wednesday.
California Highway Patrol Officer Christian Cracraft said the children sustained minor to moderate injuries.
He said the 5:47 p.m. crash on Turnbull Canyon Road led to all lanes south of Gale Avenue being closed.
Cracraft didn't know if both children were in the same car. The collision reportedly involved a BMW and a Ford Explorer.
There were no further details released.
- From Staff Writer Ruby Gonzales
California Highway Patrol Officer Christian Cracraft said the children sustained minor to moderate injuries.
He said the 5:47 p.m. crash on Turnbull Canyon Road led to all lanes south of Gale Avenue being closed.
Cracraft didn't know if both children were in the same car. The collision reportedly involved a BMW and a Ford Explorer.
There were no further details released.
- From Staff Writer Ruby Gonzales
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- Foul play was not initially suspected in the "suspicious" death of a 20-year-old man found unconscious in his bedroom over the weekend.
Arnold Hernandez Gomez was pronounced dead shortly after he was discovered unresponsive by his parents about 4:30 p.m. Sunday in his bedroom in the 1400 block of Riderwood Avenue, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner's Chief of Operations Craig Harvey said.
There were no initial signs of a crime, and no signs that drugs or alcohol were involved in the death, Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said. Detectives are primarily looking into the case because of Gomez's age.
Detectives suspected the young man may have suffered some type of medical condition, Corina said, however coroner's officials planned an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Arnold Hernandez Gomez was pronounced dead shortly after he was discovered unresponsive by his parents about 4:30 p.m. Sunday in his bedroom in the 1400 block of Riderwood Avenue, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner's Chief of Operations Craig Harvey said.
There were no initial signs of a crime, and no signs that drugs or alcohol were involved in the death, Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said. Detectives are primarily looking into the case because of Gomez's age.
Detectives suspected the young man may have suffered some type of medical condition, Corina said, however coroner's officials planned an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The suspected "No Bands Bandit" wanted for robbing banks in Hacienda Heights and Santa Ana was arrested Thursday afternoon after someone tipped off authorities.
The FBI gave the bandit the moniker because he told tellers he didn't want cash with any bands.
"A witness recognized the suspect from a wanted flier and called the FBI," Sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker said.
He said parolee Joseph William Kipp, 52, was arrested by FBI agents and deputies at a parole office in Anaheim.
"The suspect has implicated himself in the two robberies," Parker said.
He added that Kipp is a transient who lives in a car and frequents Santa Ana.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said Kipp will be charged in state court with bank robbery.
The "No Bands Bandit" robbed the U.S. Bank at 2040 S Hacienda Blvd. in Hacienda Heights on Tuesday and the U.S. Bank at 2740 N Grand Ave. in Santa Ana on Aug. 4.
He used a note demanding money and told tellers to give him cash without bands.
While no weapon was seen in the Hacienda Heights robbery, Eimiller said the bandit lifted his clothing and showed a teller a weapon in the Santa Ana robbery.
Deputies said Kipp will be booked at a sheriff's station and will be held without bail since he is a parolee.
- From staff writer Ruby Gonzales
The FBI gave the bandit the moniker because he told tellers he didn't want cash with any bands.
"A witness recognized the suspect from a wanted flier and called the FBI," Sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker said.
He said parolee Joseph William Kipp, 52, was arrested by FBI agents and deputies at a parole office in Anaheim.
"The suspect has implicated himself in the two robberies," Parker said.
He added that Kipp is a transient who lives in a car and frequents Santa Ana.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said Kipp will be charged in state court with bank robbery.
The "No Bands Bandit" robbed the U.S. Bank at 2040 S Hacienda Blvd. in Hacienda Heights on Tuesday and the U.S. Bank at 2740 N Grand Ave. in Santa Ana on Aug. 4.
He used a note demanding money and told tellers to give him cash without bands.
While no weapon was seen in the Hacienda Heights robbery, Eimiller said the bandit lifted his clothing and showed a teller a weapon in the Santa Ana robbery.
Deputies said Kipp will be booked at a sheriff's station and will be held without bail since he is a parolee.
- From staff writer Ruby Gonzales
The FBI on Wednesday released bank surveillance photos of a man who robbed banks in Hacienda Heights and Santa Ana.Officials dubbed him the "No Bands Bandit."
"In both robberies, he demanded cash without bands," FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. "He specifically said he didn't want cash with bands on it."
The bandit robbed the U.S. Bank at 2040 S Hacienda Blvd. in Hacienda Heights on Tuesday. He also hit the U.S. Bank at 2740 N Grand Ave. in Santa Ana on Aug. 4.
Eimiller said no one was injured during the robberies.
In Tuesday's robbery, the bandit entered the Hacienda Heights bank about 10:30 a.m. and handed a teller a note demanding money.
Eimiller said no weapon was seen.
But in the Santa Ana robbery, she said a teller saw the suspect displaying a weapon under his clothing.
The suspect was described as a Latino or white man, 45 to 55, between 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing between 170 to 180 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-888 CANT HIDE (1-888 226-8443).
- From staff writer Ruby Gonzales
*PHOTO courtesy of the FBI
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- A man robbed a Hacienda Heights bank branch Tuesday, officials said.
Few details were initially released about the crime, which was reported about 10:30 a.m. at the U.S. Bank, 2040 Hacienda Blvd., Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Raymond Enriquez said.
According to initial police reports from the scene, the robber handed a teller a note demanding money. He threatened to have a gun, though none was seen.
Police radio traffic indicated the robber was a Latino man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 170 pounds, and that no getaway car was seen.
Station officials said they could not confirm those details and deferred all comments to handling detectives at the Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau, who could not be reached for comment.
The Major Crimes Bureau recently took over all bank robberies for the sheriff's department, officials said. The FBI was also assisting sheriff's officials in the investigation.
Few details were initially released about the crime, which was reported about 10:30 a.m. at the U.S. Bank, 2040 Hacienda Blvd., Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Raymond Enriquez said.
According to initial police reports from the scene, the robber handed a teller a note demanding money. He threatened to have a gun, though none was seen.
Police radio traffic indicated the robber was a Latino man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 170 pounds, and that no getaway car was seen.
Station officials said they could not confirm those details and deferred all comments to handling detectives at the Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau, who could not be reached for comment.
The Major Crimes Bureau recently took over all bank robberies for the sheriff's department, officials said. The FBI was also assisting sheriff's officials in the investigation.
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- Community members and businesses are working to assist a Hacienda Heights family that lost two members in a fatal fire earlier this week.
Virginia Gonzalez, 49, and her adopted 3-year-old son died in the fire, which broke out late Sunday at a home in the 1700 block of Piermont Drive, coroner's and sheriff's officials said.
The boy's name was not released pending positive identification, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Chief of Operations Craig Harvey said.
Both the woman and child died as a result of "smoke inhalation and thermal burns," he said, and the deaths were ruled to be accidental.
The fire was sparked by a candle left unattended in the home, sheriff's investigators said.
Gonzalez was trying to rescue the toddler when she died, officials said.
Her husband was seriously injured rescuing the couple's 9-year-old daughter from the home. The girl's injuries were not major.
The father tried unsuccessfully to rescue his wife and son from the burning home as well before he was overcome by the smoke and flames, officials said.
Roundtable Pizza, 17170 Colima Road, will donate a portion of proceeds to the family Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., family friends said.
The Hacienda Heights Pizza Co., 15239 Gale Ave. in Industry, will also donate a portion of Tuesday's profits to the Gonzalez family on Tuesday.
Members of a softball team that plays with Gonzalez's daughter are planning a car wash to benefit the family Sept. 4 at Pit Stop LLC, 980 Turnbull Canyon Road in Industry.
Additionally, a bank account has been set up to help the family.
Those interested in contributing can donate to the Gonzalez Memorial Account, Wells Fargo account 8965800637.
Virginia Gonzalez, 49, and her adopted 3-year-old son died in the fire, which broke out late Sunday at a home in the 1700 block of Piermont Drive, coroner's and sheriff's officials said.
The boy's name was not released pending positive identification, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Chief of Operations Craig Harvey said.
Both the woman and child died as a result of "smoke inhalation and thermal burns," he said, and the deaths were ruled to be accidental.
The fire was sparked by a candle left unattended in the home, sheriff's investigators said.
Gonzalez was trying to rescue the toddler when she died, officials said.
Her husband was seriously injured rescuing the couple's 9-year-old daughter from the home. The girl's injuries were not major.
The father tried unsuccessfully to rescue his wife and son from the burning home as well before he was overcome by the smoke and flames, officials said.
Roundtable Pizza, 17170 Colima Road, will donate a portion of proceeds to the family Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., family friends said.
The Hacienda Heights Pizza Co., 15239 Gale Ave. in Industry, will also donate a portion of Tuesday's profits to the Gonzalez family on Tuesday.
Members of a softball team that plays with Gonzalez's daughter are planning a car wash to benefit the family Sept. 4 at Pit Stop LLC, 980 Turnbull Canyon Road in Industry.
Additionally, a bank account has been set up to help the family.
Those interested in contributing can donate to the Gonzalez Memorial Account, Wells Fargo account 8965800637.
HACIENDA HEIGHTS -- A woman was trying to rescue her 3-year-old adopted son from a house fire Sunday when both were killed, officials said.
An unattended candle in the living room started the accidental house fire shortly before 11 p.m. in the 1700 block of Piermont Drive, Lt. Eduardo Hernandez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau.
The names of the woman and child were not released Tuesday pending notification of family members, Los Angeles County Coroner's Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said.
The 48-year-old woman's husband and 9-year-old daughter were injured but survived the fire in the 1700 block of Piermont Drive, officials said.
"The cause of the fire was determined to be an unattended candle in the living room, which ignited and quickly engulfed the house," Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Michael Thomas said in a written statement.
No crime is suspected, and investigators ruled out arson, Hernandez said.
After the flames erupted, "The woman's husband saved their daughter from the flames and carried her outside," Thomas said.
Thomas said the man, 48, returned to the house to find his wife and the toddler. The wife had also returned to the home in search of the boy.
"She realized her son was back in there and went for her son," Deputy Tony Moore said. But both the woman and the boy "were unable to be rescued until firefighters arrived," Thomas said.
The woman and boy were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead, officials said.
The man and his daughter were taken to hospitals and treated for smoke inhalation, as well as for injuries the father suffered during the rescue attempt.
The father remained hospitalized in serious condition Tuesday, Hernandez said, while the girl had been released from the hospital.
There were no working smoke detectors in the home, Hernandez said.
He added that sounds which some nearby residents reported as gunshots during the fire were believed to be the sounds of the father breaking windows as he tried to rescue his children.
A memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, balloons, photographs and candles continued to grow in front of the remains of the burned home Tuesday.
A sign left by neighbors thanked others for their support, but asked that the candles at the memorial not be left burning unattended.
Neighbor Omar Aguilar said he was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the fire.
"They're going to be missed," he said. "This block's never going to be the same again."
An unattended candle in the living room started the accidental house fire shortly before 11 p.m. in the 1700 block of Piermont Drive, Lt. Eduardo Hernandez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau.
The names of the woman and child were not released Tuesday pending notification of family members, Los Angeles County Coroner's Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said.
The 48-year-old woman's husband and 9-year-old daughter were injured but survived the fire in the 1700 block of Piermont Drive, officials said.
"The cause of the fire was determined to be an unattended candle in the living room, which ignited and quickly engulfed the house," Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Michael Thomas said in a written statement.
No crime is suspected, and investigators ruled out arson, Hernandez said.
After the flames erupted, "The woman's husband saved their daughter from the flames and carried her outside," Thomas said.
Thomas said the man, 48, returned to the house to find his wife and the toddler. The wife had also returned to the home in search of the boy.
"She realized her son was back in there and went for her son," Deputy Tony Moore said. But both the woman and the boy "were unable to be rescued until firefighters arrived," Thomas said.
The woman and boy were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead, officials said.
The man and his daughter were taken to hospitals and treated for smoke inhalation, as well as for injuries the father suffered during the rescue attempt.
The father remained hospitalized in serious condition Tuesday, Hernandez said, while the girl had been released from the hospital.
There were no working smoke detectors in the home, Hernandez said.
He added that sounds which some nearby residents reported as gunshots during the fire were believed to be the sounds of the father breaking windows as he tried to rescue his children.
A memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, balloons, photographs and candles continued to grow in front of the remains of the burned home Tuesday.
A sign left by neighbors thanked others for their support, but asked that the candles at the memorial not be left burning unattended.
Neighbor Omar Aguilar said he was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the fire.
"They're going to be missed," he said. "This block's never going to be the same again."
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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