Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Recent Critical Incidents

On September 14 at about 11:23 a.m. Pasadena Police Officers Glockson and Guerrero were on patrol when they observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the 1000 block of summit Avenue. The occupant (Ivan Swinney, Black Male, 23 years, Altadena Res) in the vehicle was known to the officers as an active gang member and on parole for robbery. The officers contacted Swinney and during the field investigation determined he was in possession of a fully loaded semi-automatic handgun. Swinney was arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena Police jail.

On September 15, two Pasadena Police detectives assigned to the Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU), were in Hesperia looking for Suspect Ralph Aguila, who was wanted for a Felony Threats Warrant (Aguilar threatened to kill his family, who live in Pasadena). After a brief period of time, PPD detectives found Aguila, who was staying with relatives. FAU contained the residence and ordered Aguila to surrender. Without warning or provocation, Aguila produced a firearm and pointed it directly at the two PPD detectives. The detectives took immediate evasive action and Aguilar retreated into a nearby garage on the property. After numerous verbal orders, Aguila surrendered and was arrested without incident. He admitted that his intent was to shoot and kill the police officers. It was later determined that Aguila’s handgun was loaded at the time he pointed at the detectives; however, the weapon malfunctioned when he attempted to fire it. Aguila was arrested for the felony threats warrant, attempted murder of police officers, and a felon in possession of a firearm. Aguila has an extensive criminal history and made verbal threats to kill all police officers in the future. The case was presented to the Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney, who filed several felony charges against Aguila, including attempted murder of a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm. It is abundantly clear that Aguila attempted to shoot the Pasadena Police detectives and despite his actions, was arrested without the use of force or gunfire by the victim officers. As I have stated in the past, avoiding the use of lethal force is always desirable; however, it is not always achievable in part because of the suspect’s actions.

On September 16, Pasadena Police officers investigated a lewd act in the 200 block of East Colorado Boulevard. On arrival, officers learned that the suspect (Eddie Parra, male Hispanic) approached a female who was sitting in her car parked near the post office. Parra opened the victim’s car door and repeatedly solicited her for sex. When the victim refused, Parra walked away. Approximately five hours later, Parra was in a hotel in the 300 block of Cordova Street and solicited another female. The case was assigned to Pasadena Police Detective Robin Stinson, who identified Parra as committing the lewd act incidents. She developed a want flyer and notified other enforcement units within the police department. On September 22, at about 3:00 p.m., Pasadena Police Motor Officer Gligorijevic was on routine patrol when he saw Parra near Del Mar Boulevard and Arroyo Parkway. Officer Gligorijevic radioed for assistance and Officers Glockson and Guerrero responded. Parra was arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena jail.

On September 19, at 9:45 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to Del Mar Boulevard and Pasadena Avenue regarding an assault investigation. On arrival, officers learned that the suspect and victim knew one another. They became involved in a physical altercation where the victim was seriously injured. The suspect was arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena jail.

On September 19, at 2:26 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Mar Vista Avenue regarding a threats investigation. On arrival, officers learned that the suspect (Javier Castro, male Hispanic, Pasadena resident) had armed himself with two large kitchen knives and threatened to harm a family member. Fearing for his safety, the victim called the Pasadena Police Department. PPD officers contained the residence and talked with Castro for an extended period of time ordering him to surrender. Ultimately, Castro gave up and was arrested without incident. He was booked at the Pasadena Police jail for assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

On September 24, at about 3:28 p.m. Pasadena Police Officers Thebeau and Velasquez were on routine patrol when they observed a motorcyclists (Lamar McDaniel’s, Black Male, 21 years, Altadena Resident) commit a vehicle code violation. The officers initiated an enforcement stop near Fair Oaks Avenue and Washington Blvd. McDaniel’s dismounted his motorcycle as the officers approached him. When Officers Thebeau and and when they (the officers) asked him for identification he fl him. When the officers asked McDaniel’s for his driver’s license he fled. PPD officers chased McDaniel’s and detained him near a residence in the 100 block of Pepper Street. As the officers approached McDaniel’s he surrendered and was arrested without incident. Officers checked the immediate area and located a loaded handgun. McDaniel’s later admitted to possessing the pistol

On September 24, at approximately 3:10 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 3100 block of East California Boulevard, regarding a fight in progress. Witnesses reported as many as six people were attacked. PPD officers arrived quickly and detained (without incident) the suspect (Aaron Hong Te, male Asian, 21, San Gabriel resident) who was attempting to leave the location. During the subsequent investigation, officers learned that the residence was rented through an AIR B&B process for a birthday party. The party was posted on social media and approximately 200 party-goers attended. It was evident that there was heavy alcohol consumption at the birthday party. At some point, suspect Te bumped into another person and a fight quickly erupted. During the fight, suspect Te produced a knife and started stabbing people. Te was arrested and booked at the Pasadena Jail for attempted murder. The six victims were transported to several different local hospitals. Two victims remain in critical condition and the other four are suffering from various stab wounds. The media has been advised of the incident and is reporting same.