Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Last Week’s Critical Incidents

On May 6, 2015 at about 10:17 a.m., a Male Black Adult entered the Go Wireless Store, located in the 3800 block of Foothill Boulevard. The suspect was armed with a handgun and forced the salesperson to the rear of the store where he demanded the store safe be opened. Fearing for her safety, the salesperson complied. Once the safe was opened, the suspect removed more than 70 cellular phones and ordered the salesperson to stay put. The suspect then exited the store and fled. Nearby witnesses saw the suspect running from the store and watched as he entered a red compact car. The witnesses called PPD and reported the incident.

Moments later, undercover officers saw a car matching the description of the get-a-way vehicle traveling west on the 134 Freeway. The undercover officers followed the suspect’s car and called for assistance. Subsequently, several marked Pasadena Police units arrived to assist. When the officers activated the emergency equipment on their patrol cars, the suspect began driving erratically in an attempt to escape. The uniformed officers initiated a vehicle pursuit; however, the suspect failed to yield. The suspect was seen throwing items from his car as he exited the freeway near Burbank Boulevard and Havenhurst Street in Sherman Oaks, where a collision occurred.

The suspect abandoned the car he was driving and fled on foot running onto the 101 freeway, where he crossed all lanes of traffic and into a nearby neighborhood. The suspect was located and arrested without further incident with the assistance of LAPD and the CHP. PPD officers recovered a loaded 9mm pistol, which was likely used in the robbery.

The following PPD personnel were involved: Patrol Officers from Teams 2 and 6, including Officers Vidales, Thomas, Alvarado, Carey, Qian, Griffin, Newlen, Banuelos, Lee, Tavera, Luevano, Horn, and Cpl. Susan Gomez, Motor Officers Klotz and Schepman, Sergeant Dahlstein, and members from the Special Investigations Unit including Officers Christian, Kayondo, Dubois, Buchholz, Cpl. Urita, and Sergeant Reavis. The pursuit and field investigation was supervised by Patrol Sergeants Beene, McKinney, and Grisafe. Detectives Campeau, Torres, Burris, and Sergeant Bugh from CID handled the Criminal Investigation follow-up, Search Warrants, and filing of the case.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed 10 Felony Counts against the suspect, which included Robbery, False Imprisonment, and Weapons charges. This was a great example of teamwork by experienced officers of the Pasadena Police Department.

On May 8, 2015, at about 12:13 p.m., a subject was gardening at a local residence when suspect(s) stole a weed trimmer and leaf-blower from the rear yard. The resident notified her security company and obtained information from her security system. On May 11, 2015, the resident called the police to report the theft. Officer Mario Calderon responded to investigate the incident and viewed the video which depicted the crime. Officer Calderon recognized the first subject from prior contacts (Cesar Barragan, Male Hispanic, 25 years, Altadena resident). Officer Mario Calderon, Officer Jacob Carey, and Officer Derek Locklin responded to Barragan’s residence in Altadena and arrested him without incident for grand theft and an outstanding warrant.

On May 11, at about 11:43 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Oakland and Orange Grove Boulevard regarding an attempted homicide investigation. On arrival, PPD officers talked with the victims (Male & Female Hispanics) who said they were crossing the street when the suspect (Male Black Adult) attempted to run them over with his vehicle. Fortunately, the suspect did not strike the victims; however, in his attempt to injure them, he caused a traffic accident when he crashed into an uninvolved motorist. The suspect driver fled the location; however, he returned a short time later. When the suspect arrived at the incident, he was positively identified and arrested without incident.

On May 13, at about 9:31 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 70 block of Holliston Avenue regarding a Male Adult armed with a knife and “out of control.” Pasadena Police Sergeant Vic Alaniz was the first to arrive. He entered the apartment and began talking to the distraught man. Sergeant Alaniz could clearly see the subject was armed with an 8” knife and he was bleeding profusely from several apparent self-inflicted lacerations. Sergeant Alaniz continued talking with the subject, asking him to drop the knife and surrender so that medial aid could be rendered. The subject refused to comply with the orders. Moments later, Officers Bulaon and Armendariz arrived to assist. Both were prepared to use less-lethal devices if necessary. Sergeant Alaniz formulated a tactical plan and continued talking with the subject. In the end, the subject began to collapse (possibly do to the loss of blood). The officers quickly subdued the subject without incident. He was transported to a local hospital and treated for his injuries.

On May 14, at about 3:30 p.m., Pasadena Police Officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Section (SES) served a search warrant in the 1800 block of Navarro Avenue. The warrant was the result of a narcotics investigation and numerous citizen complaints regarding illegal activity. During the warrant service, SES officers recovered a large quantity of marijuana, a stolen handgun, and other items of evidence indicative of narcotics sales. The lead investigator was Officer Anthony McGlade.

On May 15, at about 11:31 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Casitas and Stanton Street regarding shots fired. When officers arrived, they observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was stopped and officers located a subject (Male Black Adult, Pasadena Resident) in the car suffering from gunshot injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he was immediately taken to surgery. At this time, the victim is in critical but stable condition. Pasadena Police detectives are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information about the shooting should call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241, or community members can remain anonymous by using Crime Stoppers: (text TIPLA plus your message to 274637 or Call 1-800-222-8477).