Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Week’s Critical Incidents

On June 5, 2013, a male Victim came to the Pasadena Police Department to report a Carjacking and Attempted Robbery that occurred in the 400 block of Penn Street. Pasadena Police Officers talked with the victim, who said he was assaulted inside the residence by an unknown male. During the fight, the suspect produced a handgun from his waistband and threatened to kill the victim. The suspect overpowered the victim and took his car keys, leaving the location. The victim sustained a laceration to his forehead from the assault. Officers responded to the location of the crime and found evidence of a struggle; however, the residents were uncooperative.

After a two month investigation and with the assistance of Pasadena’s Special Investigative Unit, the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force, and LAPD; the suspect was identified as Charles Simpson. It was then discovered Simpson had been arrested a month after the incident by the Los Angeles Police Department following a vehicle pursuit on an unrelated case. While serving his sentence in Los Angeles County Jail, Simpson was contacted byPasadena Police Detectives A. Russo and R. Stinson. Simpson provided a full confession on the Penn Street Robbery. Prior to the Pasadena robbery case being filed with the Los Angeles County District Attorney Office, Simpson was released from custody pursuant to AB109. On October 29, Simpson was re-located and arrested without incident.

On July 13, Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1400 block of North Garfield Avenue regarding a possible man with a gun call. On arrival, witnesses pointed to the suspect telling officers he was armed with a pistol. Pasadena Police officers attempted to contact the subject; however, he immediately fled into the apartment complex. The suspect ran into an apartment followed closely by the officers.

The suspect, Tyshawn Goodman, pointed a loaded firearm at one of the officers resulting in an Officer Involved Shooting. The suspect was not injured by gunfire and was immediately arrested without further incident. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. On November 4, Goodman pleaded guilty to PC 417-brandishing a firearm, PC 25400(a)(2)-carrying a concealed firearm on his person, one year county jail time (must do 85% or 310 days) and 3 years’ probation. Goodman must also register as a gang member.

On November 3, at about 3:11 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Douglas Street and Garfield Avenue regarding a call of shots fired. On arrival, officers determined that a residence, garage, and parked vehicles had been damaged by gunfire. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. Several witnesses provided officers with information about the shooting, including a possible vehicle description. Our investigation is ongoing.

On November 3 at about 4:40 p.m., Pasadena Police received information about a critical missing person. The victims, an elderly grandmother and her grandson, went missing from El Monte. At approximately 8:00 p.m., a Good Samaritan found the victims wandering the streets of Pasadena and brought them to the police station. The victims were uninjured and subsequently reunited with their family.

On November 7 at about 11:40 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1300 block of Oakland Avenue regarding a Strong Arm Robbery. On arrival, officers learned that the suspect entered the offices of Fuller Seminary and demanded money. Fearing for his safety, the victim surrendered twenty dollars in US Currency. The suspect fled the location; however, he was later located near Los Robles Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. Following a positive identification, the suspect was arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena jail.

On November 7 at about 10:42 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1500 block of Kenmore Road regarding an attempted residential burglary. On arrival, the victim told officers that she was awakened by sounds in her backyard. She investigated the noise and observed the suspect (Female Hispanic, 30s, black hair) attempting to climb on to the balcony. When the victim confronted the suspect, she fled. The suspect entered a 2000 dark colored compact vehicle and fled the location.

On November 10 at about 12:25 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to a call of shots fired in the area of Washington Blvd and Marengo Avenue. On arrival, the victim (Black Male, 25 yrs., Gang Associate, Glendale/Pasadena Resident) was located sitting on the s/w corner of Washington Blvd & Marengo Avenue. The victim was suffering from a single gunshot wound to his upper left arm. His vehicle was located resting against the front porch of the residence located at 1318 N. Marengo Avenue. The vehicle has also been struck by gunfire.

The victim told officers he was shot while driving near Marengo Avenue and Washington Blvd. He said he accelerated away from the shots and drove south on Marengo Avenue, striking a house and then blacking out. The victim was uncooperative with officers and did not provide much information. He was transported to a local area hospital (stable condition) where he was treated for a GSW. The hospital staff indicated Norris would likely survive his injuries. Officers canvased the area for witnesses and evidence. PFD responded and examined the porch of the house at 1318 N. Marengo Ave., where the victim crashed into. It was deemed safe to occupy and the residents remained in their house.