Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Recent Weeks’ Critical Incidents

Editor’s Note: 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 May 31, a Male Hispanic adult committed a commercial burglary at the Art Center College of Design.  The suspect entered the college and stole several Apple computer products.  The case was assigned to Detective Riehl, who conducted a comprehensive investigation.  The suspect was identified and a wanted flyer was distributed to PPD personnel.  On June 24, Pasadena Police Officers Newlen and Thebeau saw a subject matching the description on the wanted flyer.  The officers contacted the suspect, confirmed he was the same person on the wanted flyer, and arrested him without incident.  He was subsequently transported to the Pasadena jail.

On June 16, at 11:27 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue regarding a threats investigation.  The suspect posted death threats on a social media website, which was subsequently reported to the Pasadena Police Department by associates of the suspect.  The video showed the suspect armed with a pistol and making specific statements about committing violent acts.  Pasadena Police officers and detectives identified the origin of the posting and traced it back to a Pasadena residence. The suspect was contacted and arrested without incident.  He admitted to making the video and officers determined the weapon (seen in the video) was a replica.  This investigation was very complex and involved several police personnel including:  Lieutenant Rojas, Sergeants Devis and Lemos, Corporal Llanes, Detectives Duran, Alba, McKinney, Riehl, D. Gomez,and Officers Fujiwara, Adesina, Zilbert, and Austin. This case would not have been possible without the courage of the witness who reported the suspect’s activity.

On June 18, at about 3:56 a.m., Pasadena Police officers working routine patrol observed a male adult J-walking near Mountain Street and Fair Oaks Avenue.  As the officers stopped their car to talk with the suspect, he immediately fled.  While he was running away from the officers, he (the suspect) continuously reached into his waistband. The officers eventually caught up to the suspect and detained him without further incident.  Subsequently, the officersrecovered a firearm in the suspect’s front pants pocket.

On June 18, at about 6:06 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to a “man with a gun call” in the 700 block of North Chester Avenue.  On arrival, officers observed a male adult sitting on the porch of his residence yelling and holding a handgun.  PPD officers tactically approached the suspect and ordered him to surrender the weapon. The suspect complied and was arrested without further incident.  The field investigation determined the suspect was likely suffering from a mental health episode. This case underscores the involved officer’s experience, sound judgment, and tactical skills.  Moreover, they were able to avoid a lethal encounter by disarming the suspect.

On June 19, at about 11:41 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 100 block of West Washington Boulevard regarding two gunshot victims.  On arrival, PPD officers located a Female Black adult and a Male Black adult, both suffering from gunshot wounds.  The officers contained the area and requested the paramedics.  The victims were subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.  Despite the fact that there were multiple witnesses, they were all uncooperative with our investigation.  Moreover, both victims refused to provide any information about the shooting. Our investigation is ongoing.

On June 22, at 6:46 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to report of a man with a gun in La Pintoresca Park.  Officers and the police helicopter arrived quickly and saw a large group in the parking lot of the park. When the group saw the police, they began to separate. Officers detained two male adults who matched the description provided by the initial caller. During their investigation, the officers learned the gun was possibly being held (concealed) by a nearby female adult, who was also carrying a toddler. When the officers made contact with the female, they recovered a loaded handgun from her.  The suspect (Everett Johnson, Black Male, 18, Baldwin Park resident) admitted to having the gun and asking the female to hide it.  Johnson was arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena jail.

On June 23, at about 8:16 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 2900 block of East Sierra Madre Boulevard regarding a bomb threats investigation.  The caller said there was a bomb in the Pasadena High School gymnasium; however, on arrival, the officers determined the gym was secure. Despite the apparent status of the gym, the officers requested the department’s “bomb dog” to conduct a search of the location.  The canine responded and completed a comprehensive search.  Fortunately, no explosives were located. Our investigation is ongoing.