Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, February 11, 2017

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Mountain View News Saturday, February 11, 2017 

ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

METHODIST HOSPITAL’S ANNUAL MARDI GRAS 
CELEBRATION SET FOR FEBRUARY 28 

AT SANTA ANITA PARK

For the period of Sunday, January 29th, through Saturday, 
February 4th, the Police Department responded to 1,063 calls for 
service of which 135 required formal investigations. The following 
is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the 
Department during this period.

Sunday, January 29:

1. Shortly before 8:12 a.m., an officer responded to the Santa 
Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding an activation 
of an Arcadia Police Department GPS tracker. Arcadia PD 
detectives had previously deployed decoy bicycles with tracking 
devices to combat the increase in bike thefts throughout the city. 
An investigation revealed a 57-year-old male from Los Angeles 
was in possession of the stolen bicycle and GPS tracker. The 
suspect was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for 
booking. 
2. Around 2:10 p.m., officers responded to residence in the 300 
block of South Baldwin Avenue regarding a disturbance report. 
Officers encountered the suspect attempting to enter his ex-
girlfriend’s residence by kicking the front door. The 26-year-old 
male from Arcadia refused to comply with the officer’s orders 
and physically resisted them. He was eventually arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.


Monday, January 30:

3. At about 9:51 p.m., an officer conducted an enforcement 
stop on a vehicle in the area of Huntington Drive and Santa 
Anita Avenue for having broken brake lights. A records check 
of the driver revealed the 33-year-old male from Van Nuys was 
on probation and, during a consensual search of the vehicle; 
was found to be in possession of a glass smoking pipe. The 
suspect was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail 
for booking. During the booking process, it was determined the 
suspect provided a false name to the officer and was on parole. 
This additional violation was added to the list of charges.
4. At approximately 11:35 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic 
stop on a vehicle in the area of Santa Anita Avenue and Camino 
Real Avenue for not having a front license plate. A records check 
of the occupants revealed the driver was on probation and a 
male passenger, a 28-year-old from El Monte, was on parole. 
During a consensual search of the vehicle, a female passenger, a 
30-year-old from Temple City, was in possession of a controlled 
substance and drug paraphernalia. The male passenger on 
parole was also found to be in possession of a controlled 
substance. Both were arrested and transported to the Arcadia 
City Jail for booking.


Tuesday, January 31:

5. Around 1:34 a.m., an officer responded to the 300 block 
of Las Tunas Drive regarding a suspicious subject. The officer 
located the suspect and witnessed him spray painting the 
words, “Never Sober” on the curb. The 21-year-old male from 
Arcadia was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail 
for booking. 
6. Just before 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 
1700 block of Louise Avenue regarding a burglary in progress. 
A vehicle related to the burglary was located and officers found 
the suspects with the victim’s stolen property. An 18-year-old 
female from Los Angeles and a 24-year-old male from Los 
Angeles were arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail 
for booking.


Wednesday, February 1:

7. Shortly after 3:34 a.m., an officer responded to a residence 
in the 700 block of West Camino Real Avenue regarding a theft 
from vehicle report. An investigation revealed an unknown 
suspect entered the unlocked vehicle and stole the victim’s purse 
and key fob. No suspects were seen and no witnesses were 
located.
8. At about 7:23 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 
200 block of West Longden Avenue regarding a fraud report. 
The victim stated an unidentified suspect opened a cellphone 
account in her name, and also used her credit cards on two 
different occasions. The victim does not know how the suspect 
obtained her personal information. 


Thursday, February 2:

9. At approximately 6:00 p.m., an officer responded to the 
intersection of Santa Anita Avenue and Colorado Boulevard 
regarding a carjacking that had just occurred. The officer 
discovered that while the suspect was taking a test drive in a 
vehicle from the Rusnak Mercedes Benz Dealership, the suspect 
threatened the salesman causing the salesman to abruptly exit 
the vehicle. The suspect, a 32-year-old male from Arcadia, then 
fled in the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was recovered a short time 
later in the City of Arcadia. 
10. Around 6:25 p.m., an officer responded to the Arcadia 
Police Department front counter regarding a robbery that 
occurred near 24 Hour Fitness, 125 North First Avenue. The 
victim stated the suspect approached him, forcefully removed 
the victim’s backpack, and fled to an awaiting vehicle.


 The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’1”, 
and 250 pounds. He fled in a maroon sedan. The investigation 
is ongoing.

Friday, February 3: 

11. At about 5:10 a.m., an officer responded to the 1000 block 
of West Huntington Drive regarding a stolen vehicle report. The 
officer determined an unknown suspect broke a window and 
stole the victim’s Honda Civic sometime during the previous 
evening. No suspects were seen and no witnesses were located.
12. Just before 3:59 p.m., an officer responded to the 00 
block of Alta Street regarding a vehicle burglary report. An 
investigation revealed an unknown suspect smashed the victim’s 
front passenger window and fled with an after-market radio. No 
suspects were seen and no witnesses were found.


Saturday, February 4:

13. Shortly after 12:19 p.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop on 
a vehicle in the area of Lemon Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue 
for speeding. Upon contacting the driver, the officer detected 
a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. Through a 
series of tests, the officer concluded the 44-year-old male from 
Inglewood was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. 
The passenger, a 57-year-old male from Inglewood, was so 
intoxicated; he was unable to care for himself. Both males were 
arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.
14. Around 7:16 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in 
the 700 block of Fairview Avenue regarding a burglary report. 
While the officer was investigating the burglary, Dispatch 
received an alarm activation in the 900 block of Sunset 
Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers witnessed a male suspect 
exiting the residence. They attempted to detain the suspect and 
a short foot pursuit ensued. A 51-year-old male from Hesperia 
was eventually detained. He was arrested and transported to 
the Arcadia City Jail for booking. The investigation concluded 
the suspect was responsible for the burglary that occurred on 
Fairview Avenue.



ARCADIA, Calif. – (February 9, 2017) - 
Methodist Hospital Foundation’s 22nd annual 
Mardi Gras celebration is coming to Arcadia 
on February 28 at 6 p.m. at Sirona’s in Santa 
Anita Park with proceeds supporting digital 
mammography services at Methodist Hospital. 
“Mardi Gras is a fun and lively celebration 
enjoyed by community leaders, physicians, local 
businesses, and community members for the 
past 22 years,” said Sherry Wang, event co-chair 
and former chair of the Methodist Hospital 
Foundation. “Over time, the event has evolved 
into a significant fundraising endeavor and has 
grown in attendance each year.” Co-chairing 
the event with Ms. Wang are Mary Bigley and 
Erica Cornejo. 

 Guests enjoy delicious food provided by a 
variety of top San Gabriel Valley restaurants, 
as well as libations, a festive parade, crazy 
costumes, plenty of dancing, live music, an 
exciting silent auction, mysterious raffle boxes, 
and a few surprises, all for a great cause. As 
they did last year, the 80z All Stars, a premier 
1980s California tribute band, will provide 
entertainment for the fun-filled event. 
Mardi Gras will also honor and crown Dr. 
Stephen and Patty Soldo as “King and Queen of 
Mardi Gras 2017” for their long-time dedication 
to Methodist Hospital. They have given 
generously of their time and resources and the 
hospital is fortunate to be able to acknowledge 
their many years of service to the community.

 The Methodist Hospital Foundation 
considers part of its mission to include 
providing comprehensive breast care. Breast 
cancer is one of the most common cancers 
among American women with about one in 
eight women developing invasive breast cancer 
during their lifetime. In order to continue 
that mission, it is important to upgrade the 
hospital’s diagnostic mammography services 
and proceeds from Mardi Gras will further this 
effort. While Methodist Hospital continues to 
offer breast surgery and reconstructive surgery 
to patients, the hospital plans to acquire digital 
mammography – the most advanced technology 
available – which will enable the hospital and 
our radiologists to provide the community with 
the best possible diagnostic breast care services.

 Tickets to Mardi Gras are $125 and a portion 
of this cost is tax deductible. To purchase 
Mardi Gras tickets and explore sponsorship 
opportunities, go to www.methodisthospital.
org/mardigras.


THE SANTA ANITA YMCA HERE TO SERVE 

OUR COMMUNITY

MONROVIA POLICE BLOTTER

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and 
events. To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go 
to the City of Monrovia website and click on the crime 
mapping link. Sign up to follow us on Twitter for police 
notifications. 

Weapons Offense February 2 at 9:50 p.m., an officer was 
flagged down in the 300 block of W. Maple by a male 
subject. The subject told the officer that a male Hispanic 
and a male Black confronted him at a fast food restaurant 
at Huntington and Mayflower. The suspects accused him of 
taking a bicycle and brandished a pistol. The suspects then 
fled in a gray Nissan Altima and headed east through the 
alley. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested February 3 at 12:41 
a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of 
Alamitas Avenue regarding a male and female who had 
been arguing. The female stated that the male became 
upset with her and grabbed her around the throat. He 
also threatened to kill her if she called the police. The male 
suspect was arrested for domestic violence and taken into 
custody. 

Criminal Threats February 3 at 5:52 a.m., police dispatch 
received a phone call from a suspect who was making threats 
regarding violence against the high school. Officers were 
deployed to the high school for security and to investigate. 
No verified threat could be established. The school resource 
officer stayed at the high school throughout the day. No 
suspects were located. The investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested February 3 at 5:30 
p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 
300 block of W. Huntington. A male adult stole 
merchandise from the store. Officers arrived and 
located the subject, who had no identification on him. 
He was arrested and taken into custody. The subject 
was identified and later released on a citation to appear 
in court on the charges. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested February 3 at 7:08 
p.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of S. 
Myrtle regarding a male subject yelling at families in the 
park. The officers determined the subject was drunk and he 
was arrested for public intoxication. 

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect 
Arrested February 3 at 10:16 p.m., officers were dispatched 
to the 400 block of E. Colorado regarding a subject causing 
a disturbance. An area check was conducted and the subject 
found. Through investigation, officers determined the 
subject was under the influence of drugs. The suspect was 
arrested. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested February 3 at 10:46 p.m., an 
officer was on patrol at a park in the 100 block of W. Palm 
when he contacted a subject. A computer check revealed 
the subject had an outstanding warrant. The suspect was 
arrested for the warrant. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested February 4 at 12:53 
a.m., a vehicle was reported to police that was parked on 
the street and facing the wrong way. An officer located the 
vehicle and found a male subject asleep behind the wheel of 
the vehicle. The keys were not in the ignition and the engine 
was cold. The male was found to be intoxicated and was 
arrested for being drunk in public. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested February 5 at 1:23 p.m., loss 
prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington 
called police to report a shoplifter. They observed a subject 
select an item from inside the store and leave without 
paying. They followed the subject out of the store, but 
lost sight of him as he entered another location. Officers 
responded to the location and located the suspect, who was 
found to have several outstanding warrants also. He was 
arrested and taken into custody. 

Residential Burglary February 5 at 1:52 p.m., a residential 
burglary was reported in the 200 block of N. Mountain. 
The victim left her residence for a few hours and when she 
returned, she discovered her room and a hallway closet had 
been ransacked. The loss was jewelry. The investigation is 
continuing. 

Attempt Burglary February 6 at 7:37 a.m., the owner of 
a business in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called police 
to report an attempt burglary at the business. Someone 
had tampered with the chain link fence that encloses his 
compressor and the rear door of his business. The suspect 
pried the chain link fence open and attempted to pry open 
the rear door, but was unsuccessful and there was no loss. 
The investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested February 6 at 10:41 a.m., a 
shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 
block of S. Mountain. A suspect entered the store, selected 
merchandise from the shelf and attempted to make a 
fraudulent return of the stolen merchandise. The suspect 
was arrested and taken into custody. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested February 6 at 11:58 
a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia Avenue 
called police to report her daughter was trespassing on 
her property. The investigation revealed the suspect was 
served with a valid no trespassing order and had gained 
entry into the property by unknown means. She was 
located inside the location in violation of the order and 
was arrested. 

Elder Abuse – Suspect Arrested February 6 at 3:30 p.m., 
during a follow up investigation of a reported elder abuse 
incident, the suspect was contacted and interviewed. The 
suspect admitted to taking checks and cashing them from 
her elderly family member’s bank account, totaling over 
$3000. The suspect was arrested and is being held pending 
her court appearance. 

Commercial Burglary February 7 at 6:04 a.m., a burglary 
was reported at a business in the 100 block of E. Chestnut 
Avenue. The suspect gained entry into the building by 
forcing open the rear door. A laptop and hand drill were 
taken. The investigation is continuing. 

Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Criminal Threats – 
Suspect Arrested February 7 at 11:49 p.m., officers were 
dispatched on the report of an assault with a deadly weapon 
at a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect 
entered the business and approached an employee. He 
pointed a knife at the employee and made terrorist threats, 
saying he wanted to kill her. The suspect moved toward the 
employee in a threatening manner and then fled on foot. 
Officers searched the area and located the suspect. He was 
arrested and taken into custody. 

Attempt Vehicle Burglary February 7 at 7:38 p.m., officers 
responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington 
regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his 2015 
Lexus in the parking lot and went into the business. When 
he returned to the vehicle, he noticed his window had been 
smashed. Surveillance video shows two suspects arriving 
in a black Jeep Cherokee. One of the suspects was seen in 
the video breaking the driver's side window and the two 
suspects flee when the alarm on the vehicle sounds. The 
investigation is continuing. 


Eric Boyd, the Executive Director of the Santa Anita 
YMCA shared an amazing history with the Duarte 
Kiwanis Club. The YMCA was initially started in 
1844 in London, England. The Industrial Revolution 
had started in earnest, and young men from all over 
Europe had come to London to work in the new 
factories. However, when the work day ended, the 
young men had no outside activities other than the 
local pubs and fighting each other. The YMCA was 
created as a way to provide alternative activities - in 
a positive way - to these young men. Eric shared a 
beautiful sword that has emblazoned on it a triangle, 
symbolizing the three aspects of life - Spirit, Mind 
and Body. The concept being that “if a person is out 
of balance, they are less than God meant them to be.” 
The YMCA in the US is the largest provider of group 
swim lessons, and the largest provider of childcare 
(outside of government supported organizations). 
The Santa Anita YMCA serves Arcadia, Monrovia, 
Bradbury, Duarte, Irwindale and Azusa - and no one 
is turned away due to inability to pay. 

 For further information on speaking or joining 
the club, contact Dr. Diane Hernandez at drdiane@
drhernandezoptometry.com

Pictured from left, Eric Boyd, and Duarte Kiwanis 
Secretary, Tina Carey.

IN 2016, MONROVIA EXPERIENCED A NEARLY 
20% INCREASE IN PART I CRIMES WHEN 
COMPARED AGAINST THE PRIOR YEAR IN 2015

Recently, staff was able to complete our review of 
crime rates in Monrovia during calendar year 2016, 
and the results were striking and disconcerting. 
When compared with 2015, Monrovia experienced a 
total increase of 19% in our Part I crimes. Digging a 
bit deeper into the numbers, an overview of the public 
safety issues we experienced last year includes the 
following details: 

 In 2016, Monrovia experienced a total of 893 Part 1 
crimes, whereas in 2015, we had only 750 Part 1 crimes

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) designates 
the most major crimes that plague society in the 
United States as Part 1 crimes

 There are eight (8) Part 1 crimes, including murder, 
rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny, auto theft, 
and arson.

 The 19% increase in crime means that Monrovia 
had 143 more victims of crime in 2016 than the prior 
year in 2015.

 The most significant increase in criminal activity 
were:

 120 more larceny incidents in 2016 than the prior 
year in 2015, a 24% increase

 29 more burglary and attempted burglary incidents 
than the prior year in 2015, a 28% increase

 11 more assault incidents in 2016 than the prior year 
in 2015, a 50% increase

 4 more rape and attempted rape incidents in 2016 
than the prior year in 2015, a 100% increase

 It is important to note that we are seeing similar and 
even greater increases in Part 1 crimes throughout 
Los Angeles County and in the State of California. 
Law enforcement personnel have attributed these 
significant increases in criminal activity to the impact 
of State legislation that has been approved during the 
past few years, including AB 109, Proposition 47, and 
Proposition 57. Collectively, those three measures 
have impacted our law enforcement efforts in the 
following manner:

 Early release from prison of tens of thousands of 
criminals from throughout California, the majority of 
whom are from LA County

 Changes in State law that have made any shoplifting, 
theft, forgery, or fraud – where the value of the crime 
does not exceed $950 – a misdemeanor

 The personal use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, 
heroin, or methamphetamine, have all been 
reclassified in California as misdemeanors

 For Monrovia specifically, during the past several 
decades, the City engaged a number of important 
initiatives to reduce criminal activity, including 
implementation of a gang injunction and expansion 
of our overall Community Activist Policing bureau 
programs. Those efforts and initiatives made a real 
impact, as we saw crime trends decrease significantly 
over time. 

 The chart below illustrates how the crime trends 
have evolved since 1995 (when we had 1,672 Part 
1 crimes). Of note, in 2015, we had our lowest 
recorded rate of criminal activity, when we had 
only 750 incidents of violent and property crime. 
Unfortunately, we have 143 more incidents of Part 
1 crimes in 2016, and the trend and outlook as we 
move into 2017 is a continued increase in significant 
criminal activity.

 Given the changes in State law and the associated 
impacts on crime here locally in Monrovia, staff has 
been assessing different strategies through which 
we can address this challenging situation as 2017 
continues to unfold. As these strategies are developed, 
we would continue to urge that all residents stay 
vigilant!

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com