Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Week’s Critical Incidents

On September 30, 2011, Pasadena Police officers and fire personnel responded to the 50 block of Meridith Avenue regarding an apartment fire. During the initial response, officials discovered a deceased female, burned beyond recognition, lying in the hallway near the bedroom. Pasadena Police Detectives were assigned to investigate. The case was assigned to Pasadena Police Detective K. Gomez, who was assisted by Detective G. Curry and Pasadena Fire Captain Eaton. During the follow up investigation, Detective K. Gomez determined the victim was actually murdered on her birthday (September 27th), three days prior to the fire, which was suspicious in nature. Based on the physical evidence, Detective K. Gomez determined the victim experienced a violent death (blunt force trauma). The suspect was later identified as Cory Green (a known gang member from Los Angeles), who had fled the location after murdering the victim. Following a comprehensive investigation, Suspect Green was subsequently arrested without incident. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing. On October 22, 2013, a jury found Corey Green guilty of murder, arson, and burglary. He is facing 35+ to life in prison.

This case was complex. The guilty finding by the jury underscores the investigative talents of Detective Keith Gomez, Detective Grant Curry, and Fire Captain Wendell Eaton. Moreover, the case went through jury trial without any fanfare, drama, or allegations of misconduct. This was accomplished primarily because the investigators in the case have established creditability with the courts, the District Attorney’s Office, and defense counsel. As an aside, I received an email from the victim’s relative commending Detective Gomez for his efforts to bring a predator to justice.

On October 19, at about 1:58 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to Hammond Street and Raymond Avenue regarding an attempted murder investigation. Officers talked with the victim (female Black adult) who said she was with her child and a male friend at Robinson Park earlier in the day. The father of her child (also the suspect) saw the victim in the park and they exchanged words. Later in the afternoon, the victim left Robinson Park with a male companion. They were later parked on Hammond Street near Raymond in her vehicle. The suspect was seen driving by when he stopped, exited his car, and pointed a handgun at the victim. The victim rapidly drove away and heard what she described as several gunshots. When the victim arrived home, she discovered her vehicle had been hit by gunfire, but fortunately, no one was injured. The suspect is known to the Pasadena Police Department and officers are actively investigating the incident.

On October 20 at about 6:30 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Colorado Boulevard and Annandale Road regarding a traffic collision. Alert witnesses told police dispatchers they observed a Male Hispanic and female running away from the incident. Officers M. Gligorijevic and M. Jones arrived quickly and observed the suspects. They were detained without incident and subsequently arrested. The vehicle, as it turns out, was stolen. The officers also recovered narcotics and other items in the car.

On October 24 at about 2:45 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to a bear sighting in the 500 block of West Washington Boulevard. Several witnesses and concerned community members called to report the bear was wandering the neighborhoods. The Pasadena Police Communication Center put out a Reverse 911 alert to neighbors in the area and alerted Cleveland Elementary School and John Muir High School. As a precaution, school officials elected to have students “shelter in place” after learning the bear was in close proximity to the campuses. PPD alerted the California Department of Fish and Game and a field ranger ultimately arrived at the incident. However, officers were able to encourage the bear to return to the forest with the use of police sirens. PUSD students were released at the conclusion of the event.

On October 24 at about 9:51 a.m., an alert community member called the Pasadena Police Department to report a person attempting to start a fire on the hillside at the N/E corner of New York Drive and Sierra Madre Villa, across from the Eaton Canyon Golf Course. The Pasadena Police helicopter was overhead within seconds and managed the incident. The flight crew confirmed a fire had been set and observed the suspect. The flight crew then directed ground officers to the suspect’s location. Officer J. Reinbold arrived on scene and apprehended the suspect (Male white adult) without incident. The suspect was later booked at the Pasadena jail.