Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Recent Critical Incidents

In this report, Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez reviews noteworthy incidents which occurred or were concluded in recent weeks in Pasadena.

Critical Incidents:

On March 20, at about 10:18 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Arroyo Parkway and Union Street regarding an assault with a deadly weapon (ADW) investigation.  On arrival, officers learned that the victim was in his parked car when he was approached by the suspect. Without warning or provocation, the suspect threatened the victim with a knife.   The suspect then fled west on Holy Street.  Officers located the suspect a short time later near Fair Oaks Avenue, south of Colorado Boulevard and arrested him without incident.  He was booked at the Pasadena jail.

On March 21, at about 8:28 a.m., a Pasadena Police officer responded to the area around Hastings Ranch and Ranch Top Road to investigate a male “passed-out” in a vehicle.  On arrival, the officer attempted to wake the driver up.  Once the driver was alert, he quickly drove away without warning, dragging the officer who initially held onto the driver’s car door. The officer was not seriously injured and our investigation is ongoing.

On March 21, at about 3:45 a.m., Pasadena Police officers investigated a bicycle theft in the 300 block of south Catalina Avenue. A photo of the suspect was captured by a security system and passed on to the investigating officers.  The incident was documented in a police report and later assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division.  The suspect (Maurice Bienvenue) was subsequently identified by detectives who alerted patrol officers.  On March 31, Bienvenue was arrested without incident by Patrol Team 7 officers.

On March 22, at about 6:56 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to a residential burglary in progress in the 900 block of south Marengo Avenue.  The victim returned to his home and found the suspect in the commission of the crime.  The suspect fled the location and the victim called the police.  PPD officers located the suspect in the vicinity and detained him without incident. Following a field identification, the suspect was arrested and transported to the Pasadena jail.

On March 25, at about 9:03 p.m., Pasadena Police officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Section (SES) attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 700 block of Sunset Avenue.  The driver failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.  Without warning, and while the suspect’s car was still moving, a passenger jumped from the vehicle and fled.  The suspect driver subsequently stopped the car a short distance later and was arrested without incident.  PPD officers quickly contained the area with the assistance of the police helicopter.  Subsequently, PPD officers located the male suspect and arrested him without further incident.   Both suspects were taken to the Pasadena jail and booked for parole violation and various other charge.

On March 27, at about 12:57 a.m., David Aguilar was seen purchasing narcotics in the 800 block of Garfield Avenue. A witness confronted Aguilar and an argument ensued. During the argument, Aguilar strangled the witness (now victim) until she passed out.  Aguilar fled the location prior to the arrival of the police.  Despite a comprehensive search, Aguilar was not located.  The case was assigned to Pasadena Police detectives who subsequently identify Aguilar as the suspect.  On March 30, Aguilar was arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena jail.

On March 28, at about 11:02 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Markham Place and Orange Gove Boulevard regarding a threats investigation.  On arrival, officers talked with the victim, who said he was stopped on Madeline Street at Orange Grove Boulevard in his car.  The victim told officers he became engaged in a verbal argument with other motorists.  Without warning, the suspect (the other motorists) pulled next to the victim’s car and pointed a handgun at him.  The suspect yelled, “… I could kill you right now…”  The suspect then drove away from the area.  Despite a comprehensive search for the suspect, PPD officers were not able to locate the motorists. Our investigation is ongoing.

On March 28, at about 2:33 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 100 block of west Washington Boulevard regarding an elder abuse investigation.  On arrival, officers learned a family member, without provocation, assaulted her mother (the victim). The victim had visible injuries resulting from the assault.  Officers located the suspect (the victim’s daughter) and arrested her without incident.  She was booked at the Pasadena jail.

On March 29, at about 7:07 p.m., Pasadena Police officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Peoria Street and Raymond Avenue. During their field investigation, the officers determined the vehicle was stolen and arrested three males without incident.  The officers also recovered evidence suggesting the suspects were involved in identity theft.  One suspect was on active parole.

On April 1, at about 3:08 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 300 block of Barthe Drive regarding shots fired.  On arrival, officers learned that the victim was standing in front of a residence when he heard someone yell at him.  Immediately after the subject yelled, the victim heard several gun shots.  Fortunately, the victim was not injured.  Pasadena Police officers searched the area and recovered evidence of the shooting.  Our investigation is ongoing.

On April 1, at about 10:09 p.m. Pasadena Police officers were on patrol in the 200 block of W. Washington Blvd when they were flagged down by a citizen who said a person had been shot inside a nearby residence.  Officers located the dwelling, entered and discovered a 37 year old female suffering from a gunshot wound.  PFD arrived and pronounced the victim dead.  Investigation revealed Andrew More (59 year old) and Felipe More (63 years old) had been involved in an argument at a residence in the 200 block of W. Washington Blvd (the two men are not related).  During the argument, both Moore and More armed themselves with handguns.  More fired his gun, striking the 37 year old female.  As a result of the investigation both Moore and More were arrested without incident.  The handguns used in the homicide were recovered at the scene.  The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.  Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Pasadena Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Lieutenant Jess Carrillo at (626) 744-4517 or the Watch Commander at (626) 744-4620.