Recently in Pico Rivera Category
PICO RIVERA -- A deputy-involved shooting resulted in no injuries, however a gang member was jailed on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, authorities said.
Angel Viera and Christina Chacon, both 37 and from Chino, were arrested in connection with the 4:30 a.m. incident in the 4100 block of Maris Avenue, Sgt. Mark Bailey, a gang investigator with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.
Viera was booked on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, and Chacon was suspected of obstructing or resisting police, the sergeant said, adding that he's a known Pico Viejo gang member.
A deputy approached Viera and Chacon as they sat in a parked car, Bailey said. Viera got out of the car.
"He had a gun in his hand," he said. "He pointed in in the direction of the deputy,"
Fearing for his life, Bailey said, the deputy fired several rounds at Viera, who was not struck.
Viera then fled into a nearby backyard before ultimately surrendering minutes later, officials said.
Chacon did not flee and was arrested at the car, Bailey said.
Officials used a dog to search for the suspect's handgun, but none was found, officials said.
According to county booking records, Viera was being held in lieu of $1.15 million and was due for arraignment Wednesday in Whittier Superior Court.
Court information for Chacon was not available late Saturday.
PICO RIVERA -- Three men robbed another man at gunpoint and slashed his hand with a knife Thursday before fleeing the scene in a car with a "Baby on Board" sticker on the back, authorities said.
The crime took place just after 1:20 p.m. at Coolhurst Drive and Pico Vista Road, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Ernest Bille said.
A man in his 20s was walking when he was approached by three robbers in a white, 4-door, 90s-model Honda Accord with a "Baby on Board" sticker adorning the rear, the sergeant said.
At least two of the robbers exited the car and demanded cash from the victim, who turned over about $15, the sergeant said. A struggle took place during the robbery, during which the victim suffered a minor slash to his hand.
In addition to a knife, the robbers also brandished a handgun during the crime, Bille said.
The robbers were initially described only as a white man, a Latino man and a black man, he added.
The suspects' car was last seen heading south on Pico Vista Road toward Washington Boulevard.
PICO RIVERA -- Detectives have recovered 14 charity gum dispensary stolen from area local businesses as they continued seeking the man suspected of pilfering them, authorities said.
The investigation began in January when a representative of a children's cancer charity reported to sheriff's officials that five plastic collection boxes had been stolen from businesses in the Pico Rivera and Norwalk area, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Robert Smith said.
A man had taken the boxes pretending to be a representative of the charity, Smith said. He told shopkeepers that he was a new employee of the charity, and he had been instructed to collect the boxes.
An investigation led by Detective Eric Callahan identified a suspect, and officials carried out a search warrant Thursday at the man's Lakewood home, Smith said.
Deputies recovered the five missing donation boxes, long with six others, the lieutenant said. The gum remained in the boxes, though the money had been taken.
Eight of the 14 boxes were determined to belong to a children's cancer charity called the "Hope for Kids Foundation," Smith said.
Detectives were still working Friday to determine who owned the other six donation boxes, he added. They were believed to belong to another children's charity.
Detectives withheld the suspect's name pending his arrest, Smith said.
Anyone with information about the thefts, or who knows who may own the six recovered collection boxes which haven't been accounted for yet, is asked to call the sheriff's Pico Rivera Station at 562-949-2421.
PICO RIVERA -- A bank robbery carried out in Pico Rivera last week has been linked to a serial bandit already believed responsible for two other heists, authorities said.
The "Lift and Show Bandit" struck the Chase bank branch at 9125 E. Whittier Blvd. Friday afternoon, shortly before closing, authorities said.
He's also been tied to a Dec. 20, 2011 robbery at the Bank of America, 1520 E. Amar Road in West Covina, as well as a Dec. 4, 2011 robbery at a Chase bank at 925 N. Hacienda Blvd. in La Puente, according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.
The bandit was given his name because of his tendency to lift his jacket during the robberies, exposing a black handgun, and threatening to shoot people, FBI officials said.
He's described as white, 25 to 34 years old, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 160 to 185 pounds. No getaway car has been reported in connection with the crimes.
Meanwhile, authorities in Rowland Heights had yet to confirm whether a lanky man who robbed a bank branch in that city Saturday was the same serial bandit who robbed another Rowland Heights bank Jan. 11.
The "Stretch Bandit," who earned his name because of his estimated height of more than 6 feet 2 inches, was linked the Jan. 11 robbery at the Bank of the West, 19005 Colima Road, FBI officials said.
A robber bearing a similar description robbed a Citibank, 18847 Colima Road, Saturday afternoon, authorities said.
Saturday's robbery, however, has not been definitively identified as the Stretch Bandit, whom authorities describe as being about 6 feet 3 inches tall and of thin build -- about 190 pounds. He's 35 to 42 years old with blonde hair and blue eyes, and a 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.
Though the Stretch Bandit has claimed to have a gun during the crimes, no weapon has been seen by witnesses, investigators said.
Another serial bandit's spree came to an end this month, as La Habra police and Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies chased down and captured a man dubbed the "Bubble Wrap Bandit" after a heist at the La Habra U.S. Bank branch Jan. 7.
The bandit, now identified as 34-year-old Francisco Gallegos of Cudahy, is suspected in five robberies spanning La Habra, La Mirada, Bell Gardens and South Gate, according to the FBI.
Anyone with information on any of the cases is asked to call the FBI's 24-hour tip line in Los Angeles at 310-477-6565.
PHOTO of Lift and Show Bandit courtesy of the FBI
PICO RIVERA -- An armed man robbed a local bank of an undisclosed amount Friday night.
The Chase Bank in the 9100 block of Whittier Boulevard was hit about 5 p.m.
Lt. Brian Yanagi said the gunman demanded money from one of the tellers.
He took the money and left. No getaway car was seen.
The robber was only described as being in his 30s with medium build and medium height. He used a handgun in the robbery.
- Ruby Gonzales
SANTA ANA -- A Pico Rivera woman who helped recruit a killer in a feud over a family business has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Edelmira Corona, 34, was sentenced Tuesday. She pleaded guilty last year to manslaughter.
Corona reportedly helped Deborah Perna hire a gang member to kill Perna's brother in 2002 so that Perna could inherit the family's moving and storage business.
That gang member then recruited others. Authorities say they kidnapped David Montemayor and shot him in the head as he fled their car near his Orange County home.
Perna was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole.
Three men received the death penalty and a fourth was sentenced to life.
- From the Associated Press
PICO RIVERA -- Deputies sought a 21-year-old Pico Rivera man Wednesday after he fired a gunshot at his mother's boyfriend during an argument, authorities said.
Isaac Ortega remained at-large after fleeing the scene of the 10:43 a.m. shooting inside a house in the 7200 block of Cravell Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Robert Smith said.
Ortega became involved in an argument with his mother's boyfriend, a man in his late 40s, after the boyfriend told him to get a job, the lieutenant said.
Ortega then produced a black handgun and fired a single shot, which struck the interior wall of the home near the ceiling, Smith said. No one was struck by the gunfire.
Officials said Ortega then left the area in an older-model, two-door, primer gray Honda Accord with a California license plate number of 4YYJ719.
Anyone who spots Ortega is advised to call 911 immediately.
WHITTIER -- Coroner's officials released the name of the woman who was shot and killed during the weekend.
Lt. Joe Bale of the Los Angeles County Department of the Coroner said the autopsy on 20-year-old Frankie Garcia could be completed Wednesday night.
Whittier police responding to a shots fired call early Sunday morning in the 8800 block of Villa Drive found the wounded Pico Rivera woman lying on the ground.
Garcia was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center where she died.
No suspects have been arrested.
- Ruby Gonzales
WHITTIER -- A judge Wednesday ordered three alleged gang members to stand trial for the drive-by shooting death of a 17-year-old Pico Rivera boy last year.
After listening to a summary of the evidence Tuesday and Wednesday in the Nov. 1, 2010 slaying of Robert Velazquez, Whittier Superior Court Commissioner Loren DiFrank ordered a trial for Enrique Medina, 32, of Pomona, his step-brother Michael Barrios, 29, of Pomona and Thomas Arellanes, 27, of El Monte. They are alleged members of the Pico Rivera street gang known as Brown Authority.
Velazquez had no gang ties, authorities said, and was likely targeted because he was in an area claimed as turf by the Pico Viejo street gang, which Brown Authority considers a rival, officials said.
The defendants are each charged with Velazquez's murder, along with the attempted murder of his then-17-year-old friend Ruth Rodriguez, who was present during the attack but not injured. All three are additionally accused of committing the crime in connection with a criminal street gang, and Medina is accused of personally firing the gun that killed Velazquez.
Robert Velazquez's father, Jose Velazquez, said he was confident in the case presented by Deputy District Attorney Brock Lunsford.
"It's going great," he said of the proceedings. "I'm happy that it's going to (trial). I want to see justice. That's all I want."
During the hearing Wednesday, Rodriguez gave emotional testimony about the shooting.
She and Robert Velazquez were talking near her home when an SUV approached and, "pulled right in front of us," Rodriguez said.
"It stopped, and they started shooting at us," she testified.
The assailants first shot out the street's lone street light before unleashing a volley of bullets toward Robert Velazquez and Rodriguez, according to testimony.
Once the shooting came to an end and the SUV drove off, Rodriguez said she realized her friend had been wounded.
"I was yelling his name and he was just making weird noises," she said as she dabbed her eyes with tissues.
"He was my best friend," she added. Officials have previously incorrectly described Rodriguez and Robert Velazquez as boyfriend and girlfriend
Medina's attorney, Anthony Arzili, questioned Rodriguez regarding how well she could see what was happening on the very dark street.
Arzili also pointed questioned Rodriguez about differences in what she told investigators immediately after the incident, and what she recalled Wednesday in court.
Barrios was being represented by attorney Michael Shapiro, and Arellanes was being represented by attorney John McDonald.
The prosecution called several police and crime scene investigators to testify about physical evidence linking Medina, Barrios and Arellanes to the slaying.
Nine spent .45-caliber bullet casing were found at the scene of the shooting in the 11000 block of Zola Avenue in Pico Rivera, sheriff's forensic firearms examiner David Kim testified.
A 10th round was found in on the floor of Barrios' Chevrolet Blazer when it was stopped by police at a Pomona has station the day after Velazquez's death, Detective Ken Perry of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said. The nine fired bullet casings found at the scene, along with the unfired round found in the SUV, had all come from the same gun, Kim testified.
Though Barrios was arrested with his SUV, attorneys for Medina and Arellanes revealed through cross examination that their clients were not in the SUV when it was stopped Nov. 2, 2010.
Sheriff's senior criminalist Kristina Fritz took the stand to report she had found gunshot residue on Barrios' hands, inside the SUV, on a a sweat shirt taken from Medina at the time of his arrest, and on other items of clothing, including bandanas and a ski cap recovered from the Pomona home Medina and Barrios shared.
DNA evidence also connected the clothing items to the suspects, sheriff's senior criminalist Leslie Thompson testified.
The defense attorneys attacked the validity of gunshot residue testing in general, pointing out through cross examination that gunshot residue can easily be transferred between people and that other forms of residue can be confused with gunshot residue.
Detectives seized the cell phones of the three suspects upon their arrest, Detective Wayne Holston of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said.
Investigators found the three men had exchanged text messages and calls in the early morning hours of Nov. 2, 2010.
One message Barrios sent to his co-defendants told them to "get out," Holston said.
Medina, Barrios and Arellanes were ordered to appear in Norwalk Superior Court Dec. 28 for an arraignment.
After listening to a summary of the evidence Tuesday and Wednesday in the Nov. 1, 2010 slaying of Robert Velazquez, Whittier Superior Court Commissioner Loren DiFrank ordered a trial for Enrique Medina, 32, of Pomona, his step-brother Michael Barrios, 29, of Pomona and Thomas Arellanes, 27, of El Monte. They are alleged members of the Pico Rivera street gang known as Brown Authority.
Velazquez had no gang ties, authorities said, and was likely targeted because he was in an area claimed as turf by the Pico Viejo street gang, which Brown Authority considers a rival, officials said.
The defendants are each charged with Velazquez's murder, along with the attempted murder of his then-17-year-old friend Ruth Rodriguez, who was present during the attack but not injured. All three are additionally accused of committing the crime in connection with a criminal street gang, and Medina is accused of personally firing the gun that killed Velazquez.
Robert Velazquez's father, Jose Velazquez, said he was confident in the case presented by Deputy District Attorney Brock Lunsford.
"It's going great," he said of the proceedings. "I'm happy that it's going to (trial). I want to see justice. That's all I want."
During the hearing Wednesday, Rodriguez gave emotional testimony about the shooting.
She and Robert Velazquez were talking near her home when an SUV approached and, "pulled right in front of us," Rodriguez said.
"It stopped, and they started shooting at us," she testified.
The assailants first shot out the street's lone street light before unleashing a volley of bullets toward Robert Velazquez and Rodriguez, according to testimony.
Once the shooting came to an end and the SUV drove off, Rodriguez said she realized her friend had been wounded.
"I was yelling his name and he was just making weird noises," she said as she dabbed her eyes with tissues.
"He was my best friend," she added. Officials have previously incorrectly described Rodriguez and Robert Velazquez as boyfriend and girlfriend
Medina's attorney, Anthony Arzili, questioned Rodriguez regarding how well she could see what was happening on the very dark street.
Arzili also pointed questioned Rodriguez about differences in what she told investigators immediately after the incident, and what she recalled Wednesday in court.
Barrios was being represented by attorney Michael Shapiro, and Arellanes was being represented by attorney John McDonald.
The prosecution called several police and crime scene investigators to testify about physical evidence linking Medina, Barrios and Arellanes to the slaying.
Nine spent .45-caliber bullet casing were found at the scene of the shooting in the 11000 block of Zola Avenue in Pico Rivera, sheriff's forensic firearms examiner David Kim testified.
A 10th round was found in on the floor of Barrios' Chevrolet Blazer when it was stopped by police at a Pomona has station the day after Velazquez's death, Detective Ken Perry of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said. The nine fired bullet casings found at the scene, along with the unfired round found in the SUV, had all come from the same gun, Kim testified.
Though Barrios was arrested with his SUV, attorneys for Medina and Arellanes revealed through cross examination that their clients were not in the SUV when it was stopped Nov. 2, 2010.
Sheriff's senior criminalist Kristina Fritz took the stand to report she had found gunshot residue on Barrios' hands, inside the SUV, on a a sweat shirt taken from Medina at the time of his arrest, and on other items of clothing, including bandanas and a ski cap recovered from the Pomona home Medina and Barrios shared.
DNA evidence also connected the clothing items to the suspects, sheriff's senior criminalist Leslie Thompson testified.
The defense attorneys attacked the validity of gunshot residue testing in general, pointing out through cross examination that gunshot residue can easily be transferred between people and that other forms of residue can be confused with gunshot residue.
Detectives seized the cell phones of the three suspects upon their arrest, Detective Wayne Holston of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said.
Investigators found the three men had exchanged text messages and calls in the early morning hours of Nov. 2, 2010.
One message Barrios sent to his co-defendants told them to "get out," Holston said.
Medina, Barrios and Arellanes were ordered to appear in Norwalk Superior Court Dec. 28 for an arraignment.
WHITTIER -- The murder case against three men accused of shooting a 17-year-old Pico Rivera boy to death last year moved forward Tuesday as testimony was heard in their preliminary hearing.Alleged Brown Authority gang members Enrique Medina, 32, Michael Barrios, 29, and Thomas Arrellanes, 27, are charged with the Nov. 1, 2010 slaying of 17-year-old Robert Velazquez of Pico Rivera, as well as the attempted murder of his girlfriend.
The teen was sitting on a brick wall with his girlfriend when the alleged killers mistook him for a rival gang member and opened fire on the couple without warning in the 4000 block of Zola Avenue, according to Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Brock Lunsford.
Velazquez had no gang ties, and was likely targeted because he and his girlfriend were in an area claimed by the Pico Viejo street gang, according to investigators. The girl wasn't injured.
Though the process is difficult, "I want justice to be served," the father said. "I want them to receive the maximum sentence."
At Tuesday's hearing, several witnesses were called to testify about being approached and questioned about gang ties in the hours prior to the fatal shooting by an armed suspect.
Jacques Bustamante testified he and a friend were walking through an apartment complex after 10 p.m. on the day of the killing when he was approached by a gunman which he pointed out as Medina.
"(Medina) approached me from behind and pretty much was flashing a gun and asking where were were from," -- a common gang challenge, he said.
Bustamante said he replied that he was not in a gang, and Medina patted his pockets, saying he was looking for drugs.
After walking away, Medina confronted Bustamante a second time, according the the testimony, accusing Bustamante of lying about being in a gang.
"He said something about you owe money to the neighborhood," Bustamante testified. "I was confused."
Bustamante had identified Medina as the gunman from a photo lineup in the early stages of the investigation, Lunsford said.
When asked by Medina's defense attorney, Anthony Arzili, in court if Medina was the man who approached him, Bustamante replied, "I think that's him."
Arzili asked Bustamante about details he recalled from the encounter, and questioned whether Bustamante got a clear look at the gunman's face. He also pointed out that investigators did not perform the photo lineup with Bustamante until four days after the incident.
Another witness, Eric Caldera, testified about being approached and challenged by a gang member at a home on Dork Street between 8 or 9 p.m. on the night of Velazquez's slaying.
The man approached Caldera and his friends asking if they belonged to the Pico Viejo street gang.
After responding that they were not involved with gangs, "He kind of started patting me down," Caldera said. The man also lifted Caldera's shirt sleeves and demanded to inspect his tattoos.
The man approached a friend of Caldera's and shouted "(expletive Viejo) before getting into an SUV and driving off," according to the testimony.
Upon cross examination from Arrellanes' attorney, John McDonald, Caldera said he did not see the person who approached him in the courtroom.
Though Lunsford indicated that Medina's hair had grown longer since the incident, Caldera maintained that "(Medina) was not the person that approached me."
Defense attorneys also pointed out that Caldera wasn't interviewed by police about the incident until January, two months after it occurred.
Daniel Perez, who testified while in handcuffs as he is currently in custody on suspicion of violating probation, testified that that Medina, Barrios and Arrellanes showed up at his home the evening before the killing.
Perez said he himself had been a Pico Nuevo gang member for two years, but was no longer involved with the gang.
Perez said he spent a brief time with the men before Barrios made a phone call from another room. Following the phone call, Barrios told Medina, "Let's roll," and the two men exchanged a high five before leaving. The men seemed to be in a good mood.
In the days after the killing, Barrios and two other men arrived unannounced in Perez's backyard in an apparent attempt to keep him from cooperating with authorities.
Barrios appeared agitated and wanted to fight, telling Perez "Don't go to court," Perez testified.
Defense attorney's asked Perez about his marijuana use at the time of the killing, and whether is had affected his memory.
Defense attorney Michael Shapiro questioned Perez's credibility, asking him at one point, "Are you making that story up?"
Jose Velazquez said the manner in which his son was killed was "very cruel."
"There was nothing he could do to defend himself or stand a chance," he said.
In addition to being in a gang neighborhood, Jose Velazquez said he believed the style of clothes his son was wearing, such as baggy pants, may have caused the alleged killers to target him.
The father recalled first getting a call about the shooting as he was at work on Nov. 1.
"I arrived and saw the scene all roped off," he said. "It was the worst feeling in the world knowing that my son was there."
Robert Velazquez was a junior at El Rancho High School when he was killed, his father said. He enjoyed oldies music and hip hop.
Sometimes shy around strangers, he was outgoing and friendly to those he knew, he added.
"That kids could fit in anywhere. Robert had a lot of friends. He didn't judge you. He was easy to get along with."
In addition to murder, the defendants are each further accused of committing the crime for the benefit of a street gang, officials said. Medina is accused of personally firing the .45-caliber handgun that killed Robert Velazquez.
Testimony was expected to continue Wednesday in Whittier Superior Court.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the presiding judge, Loren Di Frank, will render a ruling as to whether sufficient evidence exists to order the defendants to stand trial.
COURTESY photo of Robert Velazquez
PICO RIVERA -- A man fled with a little over $3,000 after robbing a bank branch Monday.
The robber entered the Chase bank, 9200 E. Slauson Ave., about 6 p.m., Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Robert Smith said.
"The suspect walked to the counter and gave the bank teller a note advising that he a gun and that he was demanding money," Smith said.
No weapon was seen during the crime, he said.
The robber received $3,050 and was last seen fleeing from the bank on foot, Evans said.
Officials described him as a Latino man in his 20s, wearing a baseball cap, a gray long-sleeved shirt and black pants.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Pico Rivera Station.
The robber entered the Chase bank, 9200 E. Slauson Ave., about 6 p.m., Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Robert Smith said.
"The suspect walked to the counter and gave the bank teller a note advising that he a gun and that he was demanding money," Smith said.
No weapon was seen during the crime, he said.
The robber received $3,050 and was last seen fleeing from the bank on foot, Evans said.
Officials described him as a Latino man in his 20s, wearing a baseball cap, a gray long-sleeved shirt and black pants.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Pico Rivera Station.
PICO RIVERA - Deputies are looking for the man in a white hat who stabbed another man in the chest Thursday night and rode off on a horse.
Sheriff's Lt. Brian Yanagi said the unidentified victim was currently listed in stable condition at Los Angles County USC Medical Center.
The stabbing was reported at 5:50 p.m. at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, 11003 E. Rooks Road. Yanagi said people were there Thursday working their horses.
Acquaintances of the victim told deputies they didn't see the stabbing.
They saw him talking to another man who later left on a horse, according to Yanagi. When they looked at their friend, they realized he'd been stabbed.
The suspect was described as a Latino, 5 feet 10 inches tall and about 170 pounds. He wore a white hat, white shirt and blue jeans.
- From Staff Writer Ruby Gonzales
PICO RIVERA -- A man accused of intentionally running down and killing another man with his car last month pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a murder charge, authorities said.
Alfredo Campos Jr., 38, of Rancho Cucamonga is charged with murder in the Oct. 30 killing of Richard Quintana Becerra, 38, of Pico Rivera.
Campos pleaded not guilty to a murder charged and was ordered to return to Whittier Superior Court Jan. 15 for a hearing, court official said.
Becerra died at the scene of the 1:20 a.m. incident at Passons Boulevard and Telegraph Road, officials said.
According to sheriff's investigators, the men became involved in a fight before Campos got into his car and intentionally struck Becerra.
Campos fled from the scene, officials said, but was stopped and arrested by deputies a short distance away in an unincorporated county area near Whittier.
According to county booking records, Campos was being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles.
Alfredo Campos Jr., 38, of Rancho Cucamonga is charged with murder in the Oct. 30 killing of Richard Quintana Becerra, 38, of Pico Rivera.
Campos pleaded not guilty to a murder charged and was ordered to return to Whittier Superior Court Jan. 15 for a hearing, court official said.
Becerra died at the scene of the 1:20 a.m. incident at Passons Boulevard and Telegraph Road, officials said.
According to sheriff's investigators, the men became involved in a fight before Campos got into his car and intentionally struck Becerra.
Campos fled from the scene, officials said, but was stopped and arrested by deputies a short distance away in an unincorporated county area near Whittier.
According to county booking records, Campos was being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles.
Staff Writer Ruby Gonzales had a busy evening on the night crime desk:
SOUTH EL MONTE -- Sheriff's officials announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects in a July 7 South El Monte robbery and to the recovery of the more than $1 million stolen.
The reward is being offered in conjunction with Lloyds of London. The payment will be in proportion to the amount of money recovered.
Investigators believe the robbers were familiar with the operation and floor plan of Commonwealth International Inc.
The company at 12356 Barringer St. stores cash to be distributed to ATMs throughout the region.
The robbery took place just after 7 p.m. on July 7. Detectives said an unknown number of armed suspects forced their way through the ceiling, slid down a rope and surprised the employees.
Deputies said the employees were blindfolded.
After taking control of the business, the suspects loaded the money into a waiting vehicle, according to Sheriff's Lt. Chris Brackpool.
He said there is no security video of the robbery because the suspects also stole the video recording device.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893.
PASADENA -- A woman was wounded when shooting broke out at a neighborhood Wednesday afternoon.
Pasadena police said the woman, who was shot in the knee, may not have been the intended target. The shooter eluded capture.
Lt. Pete Hettema said callers reported shots being fired on Dearborn Street, east of Summit Avenue at 4:45 p.m.
Police were also told that someone may have been injured at the scene.
Hettema said witnesses heard an argument before the incident. But police aren't sure if the dispute was related to the shooting and haven't pinned down who were arguing, according to the lieutenant.
Police closed down the block and searched for the suspect. He wasn't found.
Hettema said the woman was taken to a hospital with an injury that wasn't life-threatening.
The suspect was only described as a Latino in his 20s wearing a black shirt and black shorts.
PICO RIVERA -- A pedestrian was accosted by an armed man Wednesday who took his cellphone and headphones.
Sheriff's Lt. Brian Yanagi said the victim was walking on Passons Boulevard near Holbrook Street when a man approached and pointed a gun at him.
Yanagi said the robber grabbed the phone and the headphones from the victim and ran.
The suspect was described as a Latino in his 20s, 5 feet 11 inches tall, about 160 pounds with short hair. He was wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt and black pants.
WEST COVINA -- A man wearing a surgical mask, sunglasses and a beanie broke into a store display case and stole jewelry on Wednesday.
Police were told the jewelry was worth thousands.
The masked thief showed up at the Kmart at 3:45 p.m., took out a pair of bolt cutters and snipped the cable tying a jewelry display case, according to West Covina police Lt. Alan Henley.
After swiping the jewelry, the suspect walked out of the store at 730 S. Orange Avenue and was seen getting into a gray compact car.
ALHAMBRA -- Police arrested two men and a woman plus recovered possible stolen property after pulling over a car seen at a burglary on Wednesday.
The suspects' names, ages and city of residences weren't available Wednesday night.
Alhambra police Sgt. Kean Oda said the investigation is ongoing. He added that detectives are also checking if the suspects are tied to other burglaries.
A residential burglary was reported about 1:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of Azalea Drive.
Oda said a witness gave descriptions of a suspect and a vehicle seen leaving the area.
An officer later spotted a vehicle matching the description of the getaway car on the westbound 10 Freeway. He pulled it over.
The vehicle stopped at Westmont Drive and Valley Boulevard and one of the passengers ran.
Police detained the remaining two occupants and later found their quarry near the 710 Freeway and Valley Boulevard.
Oda said officers also discovered what appear to be stolen items in the car.
SOUTH EL MONTE -- Sheriff's officials announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects in a July 7 South El Monte robbery and to the recovery of the more than $1 million stolen.
The reward is being offered in conjunction with Lloyds of London. The payment will be in proportion to the amount of money recovered.
Investigators believe the robbers were familiar with the operation and floor plan of Commonwealth International Inc.
The company at 12356 Barringer St. stores cash to be distributed to ATMs throughout the region.
The robbery took place just after 7 p.m. on July 7. Detectives said an unknown number of armed suspects forced their way through the ceiling, slid down a rope and surprised the employees.
Deputies said the employees were blindfolded.
After taking control of the business, the suspects loaded the money into a waiting vehicle, according to Sheriff's Lt. Chris Brackpool.
He said there is no security video of the robbery because the suspects also stole the video recording device.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893.
PASADENA -- A woman was wounded when shooting broke out at a neighborhood Wednesday afternoon.
Pasadena police said the woman, who was shot in the knee, may not have been the intended target. The shooter eluded capture.
Lt. Pete Hettema said callers reported shots being fired on Dearborn Street, east of Summit Avenue at 4:45 p.m.
Police were also told that someone may have been injured at the scene.
Hettema said witnesses heard an argument before the incident. But police aren't sure if the dispute was related to the shooting and haven't pinned down who were arguing, according to the lieutenant.
Police closed down the block and searched for the suspect. He wasn't found.
Hettema said the woman was taken to a hospital with an injury that wasn't life-threatening.
The suspect was only described as a Latino in his 20s wearing a black shirt and black shorts.
PICO RIVERA -- A pedestrian was accosted by an armed man Wednesday who took his cellphone and headphones.
Sheriff's Lt. Brian Yanagi said the victim was walking on Passons Boulevard near Holbrook Street when a man approached and pointed a gun at him.
Yanagi said the robber grabbed the phone and the headphones from the victim and ran.
The suspect was described as a Latino in his 20s, 5 feet 11 inches tall, about 160 pounds with short hair. He was wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt and black pants.
WEST COVINA -- A man wearing a surgical mask, sunglasses and a beanie broke into a store display case and stole jewelry on Wednesday.
Police were told the jewelry was worth thousands.
The masked thief showed up at the Kmart at 3:45 p.m., took out a pair of bolt cutters and snipped the cable tying a jewelry display case, according to West Covina police Lt. Alan Henley.
After swiping the jewelry, the suspect walked out of the store at 730 S. Orange Avenue and was seen getting into a gray compact car.
ALHAMBRA -- Police arrested two men and a woman plus recovered possible stolen property after pulling over a car seen at a burglary on Wednesday.
The suspects' names, ages and city of residences weren't available Wednesday night.
Alhambra police Sgt. Kean Oda said the investigation is ongoing. He added that detectives are also checking if the suspects are tied to other burglaries.
A residential burglary was reported about 1:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of Azalea Drive.
Oda said a witness gave descriptions of a suspect and a vehicle seen leaving the area.
An officer later spotted a vehicle matching the description of the getaway car on the westbound 10 Freeway. He pulled it over.
The vehicle stopped at Westmont Drive and Valley Boulevard and one of the passengers ran.
Police detained the remaining two occupants and later found their quarry near the 710 Freeway and Valley Boulevard.
Oda said officers also discovered what appear to be stolen items in the car.
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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