Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Week’s Critical Incidents

On March 12, three masked suspects committed an armed home invasion robbery in the 1900 block of Arroyo Boulevard. The victims, ages 90, 59, and 56, were held captive while the suspects ransacked their home for over two hours looking for cash. The suspects located cash in the residence, but became increasingly agitated when they could not find more. In an effort to get the suspects to leave without causing harm to the family, one of the victims agreed to withdraw cash the following day. While at the bank, the victim notified the bank teller that she was in trouble and the police were notified. PPD officers responded to the bank and initiated a preliminary investigation. The case was assigned to Detective David Duran, who was assisted by Detectives Dustin Gomez and Carolyn Gordon. Detective Duran subsequently identified the suspect and requested the assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Gang Taskforce.

On March 13, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Gang Task Force and PPD detectives were monitoring the robbery suspects when a deputy involved shooting occurred. Numerous law enforcement officials responded to contain and search for the robbery suspects. Later that night, Eddie B. McFadden was taken into custody in Arcadia without further incident. Detective Duran presented his case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. The District Attorney’s Office filed several felony counts against McFadden, including home invasion robbery. McFadden is believed to be an active gang member. A second suspect, Michael Garrett, was arrested for attempted murder, which occurred during the deputy involved shooting. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Garrett with attempted murder. On September 14, Detective Duran started his trial on McFadden. On September 18, the jury found McFadden guilty on ten separate counts which included home invasion robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, elder abuse, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The jury additionally held gang and firearm allegations on nine counts. McFadden is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16. He is facing a sentence 15 – 45 years to life in prison. The case against Michael Garrett is pending. This was a complex investigation and underscores the dedication, commitment, and talents of Detective Duran and the other officers involved in case.

On September 15 at about 4:30 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 500 block of North Fair Oaks Avenue regarding a large business fire. The location was fully engulfed when Pasadena Fire Department arrived. PFD extinguished the flames quickly. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On September 16 at about 3:15 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1200 block of Oxford Avenue regarding a garage fire. The Pasadena Fire Department arrived quickly and extinguished the flames. PPD assisted with traffic control in the immediate area. Pasadena Police Sergeant D. Beene was the on-scene supervisor.

On September 17 at about 7:00 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the report of a person on the ground in Villa Parke, near the restrooms. The victim, a Male Hispanic, approximately 50, was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness told PPD officers he recognized the victim as a habitually intoxicated person who frequents the park. Detectives responded to the park to investigate; however, preliminary information did not reveal anything suspicious. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded and took custody of the body. The investigation is ongoing.

On September 18 at 3:03 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the Hilton Hotel regarding a man with a gun. Subsequent reports indicated the subject was in his room and may have been armed. When PPD officers arrived, they learned the subject had checked into the hotel on September 17 and was due to check out on the 18th. Officers entered the room and discovered the subject deceased from a self-inflected gunshot wound. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded and took custody of the body.

On September 14, Detective Duran started his trial on McFadden. On September 18, the jury found McFadden guilty on ten separate counts, which included home invasion robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, elder abuse, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The jury additionally held gang and firearm allegations on nine counts. McFadden is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16. He is facing a sentence of 15 – 45 years to life in prison. The case against Michael Garrett is pending.

On September 21, just before 11:00 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the Colorado Street Bridge regarding a male adult that had climbed out beyond the safety railing. Sergeant Carpenter arrived quickly and contacted the subject (about 35 years old). Sergeant Carpenter talked with the subject for about 20 minutes until the subject climbed off the railing and agreed to mental health assistance. The subject had been drinking and was depressed over the fact that his girlfriend had committed suicide a year ago. The suspect was placed on a WIC 5150 hold and transported to a local area hospital. The bridge was closed for about 45 minutes; however, traffic was minimal.

On September 22 at about 1:20 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 800 block of Palisades regarding a shots fired investigation. On arrival officers located a Black Male, 20’s (known gang member) suffering from a single gunshot wound in the upper torso. Officers located a party across the street where the victim was found and contacted the party-goers. There were several known gang members attending the party; however, no one cooperated with the police or provide suspect information. Neighbors told the police that a gang fight erupted in the street and someone fired 6 – 7 shots. The victim was uncooperative and was taken to a local area hospital in for further medical assistance. His wound did not appear to be life-threatening. Pasadena Police Sergeant Favara supervised the investigation.