Police Chief Recaps Critical Incidents

Editor’s Note: In this report, Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez reviews noteworthy incidents which occurred over the past several weeks in Pasadena.

On October 19, 2014, Emilio Buch allegedly committed an assault with the intent to commit rape.  The incident occurred at the Gold Line Fillmore train station while the victim slept alone on the concrete platform.  Evidence was collected at the scene and the case was assigned to Pasadena Police Detective Robin Stinson.  Buch was also positively identified as the suspect in an additional sexual assault that occurred on June 8, 2015, in the 400 block of South Raymond Avenue.  Both victims were homeless. Following a comprehensive investigation, Robin secured an arrest warrant in the amount of $100,000 for Buch.  On June 8, the Pasadena Police Department – Youth and Family Section sent a wanted flyer to several San Gabriel Police Agencies.  Buch was subsequently arrested by Sierra Madre Police Department without incident and booked at the Pasadena jail.

 

On June 9, Pasadena Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducted a narcotic investigation in South El Monte.  SIU was assisted by Canine Officer Widger and hisK9 partner Nico.  During the subsequent search, Nico located a total of 15 lbs. of methamphetamine that was concealed within the residence. Great work by our undercover operators and canine team!

 

On June 9, at 9:53 p.m., Pasadena Police Officers Salazar and Wilf were on routine patrol in a marked police car when they were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area of Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard.  Officers Salazar and Wilf advised other patrol units about the stolen car; however, they lost the vehicle in the area of Los Robles Avenue and Washington Boulevard. Officers Griffin and Newlen were in the proximity of the incident and saw the suspect vehicle near Washington Boulevard and Marengo Avenue.  The officers conducted an enforcement stop and the suspect was arrested without incident.  The suspect (Male Hispanic Adult) was a Parolee at Large (on parole for assault with a deadly weapon).  The want was added to his booking charges.

 

On June 9, at about 11:21 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 200 block of East Washington Boulevard regarding a residential burglary investigation.  On arrival, officers learned that the victim and her boyfriend were inside their residence when the suspect broke a bedroom window and forced entry into the apartment. The suspect was confronted by the boyfriend and an argument ensued. The suspect excited the front door and realized he had suffered a 2” deep laceration to his arm.  Pasadena Police officers located the suspect and arrested him without incident.  He was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

 

On June 11, at about 7:23 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the construction site at 3330 East Foothill Boulevard regarding a man who had climbed up onto a construction crane and was refusing to come down.  Officers Frank Cutkelvin and Rich Gawlik found the individual on one of the crane’s platforms, approximately 75 feet in the air.  Pasadena Fire Engine 37 and Battalion Chief Trautwein arrived to assist.  After approximately 25 minutes, Sergeant Sky Sandeen, Corporals Marco Tudic and Bradley May, and HOPE Officer Elgin Lee worked as a team and were able to convince the man to surrender and safely climb down the crane. He was taken to a local hospital for psychiatric evaluation.  The incident was managed by Lieutenant John Mercado and Sergeant Dennis Beene.  Officers Salvador Vidales and Dave Thomas assisted.

 

On June 13, at about 3:30 p.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to the 2400 block of Las Lunas regarding a domestic violence investigation.  The caller, 17 year old female, stated her father was armed with a gun and was pointing it at her mother. Officers arrived quickly and on arrival they were met by the father and mother outside the residence. The officers detained both subjects without incident and learned the father had fired a round into the ground prior to the arrival of the officers (apparently the father was planning to commit suicide when his wife intervened, which was the catalyst for the domestic dispute).    The suspect (father) was booked at the Pasadena Jail on several felony charges.

 

On June 14, at about 1:32 a.m., Pasadena Police Sergeant Peinado was assigned to the Old Town Foot Beat Detail when he was approached by a citizen near Colorado Blvd. and Arroyo Parkway.  The citizen pointed to a male adult and told Sergeant Peinado he was armed with a pistol.  Sergeant Peinado kept a watchful eye on the suspect and called for assistance.  Officers De Sylva, Myles and Torres responded to the area. Sergeant Peinado formulated a plan to contact the suspect; however, when he (the  suspect) observed the officers he fled toward Green Street.  Officer Torres saw the male suspect reach into his waistband area and throw something into a nearby trashcan.  The suspect was detained without incident and officers recovered a load .40  subcompact handgun.  The suspect was arrested and booked at the Pasadena jail.  Great work by all  the officers involved in the effort to contain, contact and arrest the suspect without having to use force. The officers removed yet another firearm from our community.