Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Week’s Critical Incidents

On January 30, at about 1:29:00 p.m., a Pasadena Police Officer responded to the 900 block of South Marengo Avenue regarding a domestic dispute. On arrival, the uniformed officer attempted to contact the residents by knocking on the front door. Without warning, a male inside the dwelling pointed a handgun (later determined to be loaded) at the officer through a window. The officer quickly retreated to a safe location and requested assistance. When the other units arrived, they ordered the suspect (Male White, 43 years old, Pasadena Resident) to surrender. The suspect complied with the orders and was arrested without incident. The suspect was later booked at the Pasadena jail.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect pointed a loaded semi-automatic pistol at the officer. The firearm was recovered near the front door of the dwelling and investigating officers observed several other firearms in the house.

A search warrant was subsequently secured and officers recovered $21,000 in US Currency, 416 grams of marijuana, 29 handguns, 16 rifles (to include 3 on the banned assault rifle list), 5 shotguns, 1 multi-launcher with various tear gas/anti-personnel rounds, numerous assault rifle receivers and high capacity magazines, 1000s of rounds of ammunition, several tracer rounds, and numerous canisters of explosive target compound. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms (ATF) was also contacted and assisted with this investigation. The evidence and weapons were booked at the Pasadena Police Property Room. Not only did the officer demonstrate tremendous restraint , good judgment and tactics when the suspect pointed a loaded firearm at him – the seizure underscores the types of firearms that can find their way into our community. This case highlights the challenges facing Pasadena Police Officers as they go about their daily duties to protect and safeguard Pasadena. I am including a few photos of the weapons PPD officers seized during this investigation.

On January 30, at around midnight, Pasadena Police officers received information that a Male White subject was maintaining a marijuana farm at his residence, located in the 200 block of Chester Avenue. Special Enforcement Officers (SES) responded to the area and detected a strong order of marijuana emitting from the dwelling. The officers developed further probable cause and applied for a search warrant. Based on the totality of the investigation, a superior court judge authorized the warrant. The warrant was served and SES officers recovered approximately 66 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, as well as equipment used to cultivate weed. The suspect was arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena Police jail. The investigation was supervised by Pasadena Police Sergeant Aguilar.

On January 31, at about 10:50 p.m., Pasadena Police officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Section (SES) responded to Community Arms regarding a fight. As the officers were approaching a group (the source of the fight call) they observed a Male Black (active gang member) running way holding his waistband. Officers ordered the male to stop; however he failed to comply. SES officers chased after the suspect, who tossed a loaded semi-automatic pistol outfitted with a 30-round magazine. The suspect was detained and arrested without further incident. The pistol was recovered and the suspect was later booked at the Pasadena Police Department Jail.

On January 31, Pasadena Police Detective Christian received information that a female suspect was selling methamphetamine from a residence located in the 100 block of Rosemead Boulevard in Pasadena. Detective Christian developed further information during his investigation and secured a search warrant. Detective Christian and other Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigators served the warrant and detained three suspects in the location. The primary suspect was conducting a narcotics transaction at the time of the warrant service. During execution of the search warrant, Pasadena detectives recovered approximately 2.6 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, 64 grams of heroin, and US Currency. The suspects were transported to the Pasadena jail and booked for narcotics charges.

On February 1, the Pasadena Police Department’s Traffic Division conducted a DUI/CDL Checkpoint near Arroyo Parkway and Fillmore Street. Almost 1,500 vehicles passed through the checkpoint. Officers arrested 11 drivers for operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license and three additional drivers were arrested for operating a motor vehicle on a suspended license. The checkpoint was funded by a traffic safety grant from UC Berkley. Sergeants Ortiz and Dahlstein supervised the detail.

On February 3, at about 5:17 p.m., Arcadia Police Department (APD) pursued a vehicle into our jurisdiction. APD officers were on surveillance in their city when they observed a suspicious person. APD officers attempted to stop him and he fled in a 2012 Jeep 4×4. The vehicle pursuit entered Pasadena on California Street at Madre. The suspect lost control of his vehicle and entered the front yard at 3000 East California, ultimately crashing into the side of the residence. No one was home at the time of the collision and the damage to the dwelling was minimal. Pasadena Police officers assisted APD with a felony stop. The lone suspect immediately exited the vehicle and attempted to flee; however, when he observed the Pasadena Police helicopter overhead (piloted by TJ Gonzalez, TFO Tommy Corralez) he surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. Sergeant Sharma supervised the investigation.