South Pasadena: February 2012 Archives

SOUTH PASADENA -- A South Pasadena police sergeant is training for a 300-mile bike ride to honor a fellow officer who died during a training exercise last year.

Sgt. Tony Abdalla will represent the South Pasadena Police Department, the late Officer Kevin Sandoval and Sandoval's family as he rides his bicycle alongside hundreds of other law enforcement officers at the upcoming Police Unity Tour, department officials said.

The 3-day trek, which is designed to honor fallen officers from all over the country, departs from from Somerset, New Jersey on May 10 and ends in Washington, DC. The ride coincides with National Police Week and is capped off with a candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

"I'm truly honored and privileged to be able to participate in the 2012 Police Unity Tour in memory of Kevin and to honor his family," Abdalla said. "Kevin left us way too soon and the tour is an amazing event that keeps his candle burning bright."

Sandoval, 23, was a 3-year veteran of the South Pasadena Police Department when he suffered a sudden and fatal heart attack while participating in a training exercise at the Burro Canyon Shooting Park north of Azusa on June 14, 2011, officials said.

Abdalla is a 22-year South Pasadena police veteran and an avid bicyclist in his free time.

When given a chance to represent the department and Sandoval, "I jumped at the opportunity," he said.

The Police Unity Tour raises awareness of police officers who have died in the line of duty, as well as raises funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum in Washington, DC.

More than 1,300 cops took part last year, raising more than $1.5 million in donations, officials said. The motto of the event is: "We Ride For Those Who Died."

Every rider is committed to raising at least $1,800 for the museum, organizers said, and that does not include the equipment and logistical expenses associated with participating in the tour.

Tax deductible donations to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum can be made in Abdalla's name by visiting www.socalput.com.

Donations to fund Abdalla's ride can be made in his name and sent in care of the South Pasadena Police Officers Association, 1422 Mission Street, Unit S., Pasadena, CA 91030.

SOUTH PASADENA -- Police are continuing their search for a man who broke into a young woman's home and sexually assaulted her.

The 18-year-old victim awoke about 2:50 a.m. Wednesday in the 600 block of Monterey Road and found a man in her room, South Pasadena police officials said in a written statement. He sexually assaulted her.

Police launched an investigation and released a composite sketch of the attacker to the public in hopes someone would recognize the man.

"The police department is currently soliciting, processing and following up on leads generated from the initial preliminary investigation along with those received from the public," according the police statement.

"Information we have been able to develop during the course of the investigation suggests the suspect may have either resided in or frequented the 600 block of Monterey Road," the statement said.

Investigators are also awaiting the results of DNA analysis of evidence collected from the crime scene, officials said.

Patrols in the area where the assault took place have been beefed up, according to the police statement, "even though we do not have any specific information to suggest the suspect may return."

The attacker was described as a white man in his 40s, about 5-feet 11-inches tall, 190 pounds, with brown eyes, curly brown hair and facial hair. He wore a red hooded sweat shirt during the crime.

Police advised the public to keep in mind that the suspect may have altered his appearance, such as changing hair length or color, to avoid capture.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Pasadena police at 626-403-7270.

SUSPECT SKETCH courtesy of the South Pasadena Police Department

SOUTH PASADENA -- A power disruption involving the Metro Gold Line is expected to cause longer-than-usual delays at road crossings Sunday, police said.

As a result of the electrical problems, "Gate arms are in the down position for longer than normal due to trains running on a single track," South Pasadena Police said in a written statement. "Expect delays for the remainder of the day."