Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Week’s Critical Incidents

On December 13, 2011, at about 11:15 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to a shooting investigation in the 1600 block of North Fair Oaks Avenue. The victim, Trevell Thompson (a known local gang member), was shot once on the face, causing serious injuries. Pasadena Police Officers Harris, Ordonez, and Okamoto arrived on scene and quickly identified several key witnesses. The case was assigned to Detective William Broghamer, who was assisted by detectives from the Homicide / Assault Unit. Detective Broghamer and his team developed critical evidence in the days following the shooting that led to the suspect, Anthony Mitchell, a known rival gang member. On March 5, 2012, Homicide detectives developed information that Mitchel was in the area of 1629 North Fair Oaks Avenue. The detectives responded and arrested Mitchell without incident. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Several felony charges were filed, including attempted murder. On October 21, 2013, a jury trial began and closing arguments were heard on October 30th. On October 31, at 3:30 p.m. the jury returned with a guilty verdict on all counts (Attempted Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Gang Enhancement). Mitchell will be sentenced in the near future.

Despite the drama, fanfare, and allegations of inappropriate conduct raised by the defense during the trial (a common court room tactic), the jurors saw the truth in our evidence, facts, and investigative protocols resulting in a guilty verdict. The integrity, dedication, and investigative talents of Detective Broghamer and his coworkers in this case prevailed, resulting in the conviction of a local gang member. The case was well supervised by Sergeant Ernie Devis. Officer Jonny Calderon and personnel from SES & Patrol contributed to the investigations. I am grateful we were able to remove a predator from our community through a solid legal investigation.

On October 31, at approximately 11:37 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to investigate a call of “shots fired on Tremont Street, between Fair Oaks Avenue and Glen Avenue. On arrival, officers located three vehicles which had been struck by gunfire. Officers interviewed witnesses who said several males were seen shooting at each other in the street. Luckily, no one was injured by the gunfire. Local hospitals were checked; however, there were no gunshot victims admitted. Sergeant Afsharian supervised the investigation. Our investigation is ongoing.

On October 31, at about 8:30 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 400 block of Allendale Road regarding a residential robbery. On arrival, officers talked with the elderly victims who said they answered the front door of their home expecting to greet children who were trick or treating. When the door was opened, two suspects wearing masks forced their way into the residence. The suspects were armed with handguns and forced the victims into a closet while demanding money. After several minutes, the suspects fled the location – the victims were shaken, but uninjured. Our investigation is ongoing.

On November 1, at about 11:26 p.m., Pasadena Police Officers D. Morris and A. Villicana responded to a “We-Tip” alert regarding a wanted fugitive. The notification indicated the suspect might be staying in an East Pasadena motel. Within minutes of receiving the We-Tip information, the officers located the fugitive’s vehicle, which was parked in the 3500 block of East Colorado Boulevard. Officers Morris and Villicana subsequently located the suspect and arrested her without incident. At the time of the fugitive’s arrest, she was in the company of two male companions. Officers Morris and Villicana determined one of the males also had a fugitive warrant for his arrest. The second male was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. All three suspects were later booked at the Pasadena jail.

We-Tip was founded in 1972 as an anonymous crime-reporting resource for citizens and a tool to aid law enforcement. The successful program has dramatically impacted crime and has significantly reduced crime incidents in communities and schools nationwide. We-Tip is committed to providing an effective anonymous crime reporting system to its users as they promise to insure absolute anonymity, not just confidentiality. To report crime information via We-Tip, contact: (800) 782-7463.