Police Chief: 2014 Crime Dropped 5%; Domestic Violence and Homicides Rise

Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip L. Sanchez reported Sunday although crime dropped 5% in 2014 from the year before, increases in domestic violence and homicides plague the City of Pasadena.

Sanchez reported that the department is in the process of launching a Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team, in partnership with another agency, Peace Over Violence (POV).

“It is hopeful that newly formed unit will reduce domestic violence through education, advocacy and enforcement, ‘’ the police chief said.

Overall, Sanchez said, there was a noticeable drop in grand theft auto, residential burglary and robberies in the city to close out 2014. Grand theft was down 21 percent, followed by residential burglaries at 17 percent and robberies at 13 percent.

In contrast, assault with a deadly weapon crimes rose 10 percent, domestic crimes spiked to 20 percent and homicides rose significantly at 200 percent. Sanchez said the increase in homicides last year can be attributed to two incidents involving multiple victims: on Summit Avenue where a gunman killed three victims. The suspect was known to the victims and arrested without incident, and a stabbing on Madison Avenue where two people were killed. The suspect was related to the victims and arrested without incident.

“In the vast majority of the 2014 homicides, the suspect(s) was known to the victim(s) and/or related to the family. Of note, Pasadena Police officers detained the suspect(s) immediately after the incidents or an arrest was made by police detectives following their robust investigations,’’ said Sanchez, in his report.

“While each loss of life is tragic, the homicides committed in 2014 were not random (with the possible exception of the El Sereno Avenue). The suspect responsible for the killings are awaiting trial or have been set aside by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office,’’ he said.

In an effort to reduce the number of shooting attacks, the police chief said he has authorized extra patrols, covert resources, and assigned to police commanders to the reduction effort.

“The Pasadena Police Department is committed to safeguarding the community,’’ Sanchez said. “ My staff will continue to use all available resources (including technology) to identify those predators responsible for violent and non-violent crime and analyze data to help guide our first responders.’’