Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Last Week’s 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 February 9, at about 4:47 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to Rosemont Drive, between Parking Lots 3 & 4, regarding a traffic collision (motorists v. bicyclists).  On arrival, officers learned that the motorist (P1) was driving south on Rosemont Drive when, for unknown reasons, he veered into the opposing traffic lane, striking the bicyclist (P2) head-on.  The bicyclist was critically injured and the motorist fled the scene.  A short time later, a witness called the Pasadena Police Department Communication Center reporting a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of Mentone Avenue.  Officers investigated the call and subsequently located the suspect driver.  The driver was arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena jail.  The victim was transported to a local hospital and was taken to surgery. He remains in critical condition.  The PPD Major Traffic Investigation Team responded to the scene to investigate the collision.

 On February 10 at 3:58 p.m., Pasadena Police Motor Officer P. Klotz observed a traffic violation in the vicinity of Glenarm Street and El Molino Avenue. Officer Klotz attempted to stop the motorist; however, the suspect driver failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. As PPD officers began to contain the area, a resident in the 900 block of South Madison Avenue reported the suspect vehicle in her driveway.  Officers began searching the area of the abandoned vehicle and subsequently located the suspect driver hiding in a nearby home (the suspect had entered the house unlawfully).  The female passenger was arrested near the abandoned vehicle.  As it turns out, the vehicle was reported stolen from our community.

On February 10, at 4:04 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1000 block of South Euclid Avenue regarding a possible residential burglary.  The victim was asleep when he heard noises in his home.  He investigated the source of the noises and discovered that some of his property was missing.  The victim notified PPD and officers arrived quickly.  While checking the area, officers saw a vehicle occupied by six people.  They contacted the subjects and subsequently linked them to the burglary.  All six suspects were arrested without incident. Four adult suspects were booked at the Pasadena jail and two juveniles were released to their parents.

 On February 12, at 12:00 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 30 block of North Raymond Avenue regarding a sexual assault investigation.  On arrival, officers talked with the female victim who indicated that the suspect (George Ruiz, Male Hispanic, Pasadena resident) was her boyfriend and he had raped, assaulted, and imprisoned her.  PPD officers transported the victim to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.  Officers prepared a search warrant for the suspect’s residence and requested a Department of Justice High Risk Want on the suspect’s vehicle, which was authorized.  On February 13 at about 1:30 a.m., Suspect Ruiz and an accomplice were stopped and detained by CHP officers just prior to crossing the state line into Nevada on Interstate 15.  Ruiz was arrested without incident and later booked at the Pasadena jail for numerous charges including sexual and physical assault.  Ruiz’s bail was set at $1,050,000. This case underscores a well-coordinated effort between first responders and police detectives.

On February 12, at 4:25 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to Marengo Avenue and Walnut Street regarding a road-rage investigation. On arrival, PPD officers learned that the suspects became involved in a quarrel with the victim.  At some point, the suspects fired pellets from an Air-Soft gun at the victim’s car, shattering the rear window.  The victim contacted the police department and reported the incident.  Despite the officer’s comprehensive search, they did not locate the suspects.