Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Last Week’s Critical Incidents

From April 19 – 25, the Pasadena Police Department’s Violence Reduction Task Force completed the following preventative patrols; covert surveillances and in-home visits in problems areas within Districts 1, 3, & 5 to reduce gang activity and mitigate violence:  29 foot patrols; 29 traffic enforcement stops; 27 pedestrian contacts; 3 probation / parole compliance checks and arrested seven suspects.  The efforts of the task force, which are supported by uniformed patrol, detectives, traffic officers and other enforcement sections) has resulted in a sharp decline in gang-related shootings in our community.  The task force efforts are independent of other policing services provided throughout our community.

On April 13, at about 2:06 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1200 block of North Marengo Avenue regarding a Male Black Adult brandishing a rifle.  Officers arrived quickly and contained the area with the assistance of the Air Ops Section.  Once officers established tactical positions, the suspect (Tryvon Glover, 19 years, Pasadena) was ordered to surrender.  Glover complied with the officer’s demands and was taken into custody without incident. The investigation revealed the “rifle” was in fact a BB gun.  Suspect Glover was issued a misdemeanor citation for brandishing. The officers and flight crew in this case used exceptional judgment to contact and arrest the suspect without incident.  Sergeant Pham was the on-scene supervisor.

On April 20, 2015, at about 8:08 pm, Pasadena Police Officers responded to Sears on East Foothill Boulevard regarding a report of a loss prevention officer who had been stabbed in the arm by a theft suspect.  A citizen, Edmundo Galicia, was going to shop at Sears when he witnessed the brutal attack on the loss prevention officer.  In his vehicle, Mr. Galicia followed the suspect to a location nearby where Officers Nersesyan and Griffin took the suspect into custody.  Two other citizens, Ted and Carol Hunt, were shopping for a dishwasher at Sears when they saw loss prevention officer Daniel Velloz holding his right arm, bleeding, and asking for help.  Carol and Ted immediately applied pressure to the wound to help stop the bleeding until the paramedics arrived; their efforts may have saved Velloz’ life.  Detective Duran and his partner, Corporal Blanchard, did an outstanding job of assisting to secure the crime scene and coordinate the investigation.  Police Volunteers Shar Stafford, Vic Baliozian, and Sean Stellarassisted with the crime scene by securing evidence.  Patrol Sergeant Devis and Officers Gawlik, Cutkelvin, L. Mercado, M. Herrera, Johnny Calderon, and ID Techs Chapman and Padilla also assisted with the investigation.

On April 21, at about 5:35 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to an attempted bank robbery in the 100 block of Colorado Boulevard.  On arrival, officers, assisted by the Air Ops Section, searched the area; however, they were unable to locate the suspect. Officers documented the robbery and notified the FBI (standard protocol).  Approximately 30 minutes later while on routine patrol, PPD Officer C. Sainz saw a Male White Adult matching the description of the robbery suspect near Central Park.  The subject was detained without incident.  A witness from the attempted bank robbery was transported to the park and positively identified the suspect. The suspect, John Celaya, 55 years old, Baldwin Park, was booked at our jail.  Great observation, arrest and investigation by Officer Sainz and others involved.

On April 21, at about 9:00 p.m., Pasadena Police Officers Gurrola and Tavera were working the Violence Reduction Task Force in the area of Lincoln Avenue and Figueroa Drive when they recognized Christopher Ruiz (a local known gang member) who was wanted for robbery.  The officers contacted Ruiz and arrested him without incident.  Detective Mat Campeau is the lead investigator in this case.

On April 22, Pasadena Police Sergeant Ara Bzdigian received information that Defendants Raymond Conchas, Peter Parra, and Kevin Cabrera were sentenced for their involvement in the 2013 Murder of Zane Goldstein (21 years old), which occurred near Maple Street and Chester Avenue.  Ara was the lead officer and, with the assistance of several other detectives, completed a comprehensive investigation.  The prison terms ranged from LWOP (Life without the Possibility of Parole) + 25 years for murder, attempted robbery, and conspiracy.  You may recall that John Piepoliwas previously convicted for his part in this senseless crime.  The last defendant, Ward Lacey is awaiting trial