Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Week’s Critical Incidents

On September 19 at about 7:50 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1200 block of Glen Avenue regarding an attempted murder investigation. On arrival, officers discovered a Male Hispanic, 20 (known gang member), who sustained several stab wounds in the upper torso. The preliminary investigation suggested the incident occurred near Claremount Street and Glen Avenue. The victim was uncooperative and refused to provide any further information. He was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

On September 21 during the evening hours, several hundred car-enthusiasts showed up at the Best Buy Parking lot for a spontaneous car show. Pasadena Police Watch Commander Lieutenant Dewar dispatched officers to monitor the gathering. There were no problems, arrests, or citations associated with the gathering and by 10:45 p.m., most of the enthusiasts had departed the lot.

On September 22 at about 3:00 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 90 block of Peoria Street regarding shots fired. On arrival, officers checked the area and found several bullet casings in the roadway. Upon further investigation, officers located a nearby home that had been hit by gunfire. Officers contacted the home owner who did not know who would want to shoot at his dwelling. Several neighbors heard the shots and reported the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

On September 25 at about 9:00 p.m., Pasadena Police officers received a call about a missing John Muir High School student. According to the parents, the missing female juvenile did not return home after school. Officers completed a comprehensive search; however, they did not find the missing student. She was found uninjured the following morning by Pasadena Police Detectives Lang and Vidales. They interviewed the student to determine why she went missing and to ensure her welfare.

On September 25, Pasadena Police Detectives assigned to the Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU) arrested a wanted burglary suspect in Altadena without incident. The crime occurred in Pasadena weeks earlier and was assigned to Detective Richard Padilla. Padilla developed several leads and submitted his findings to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for criminal filing consideration. As a result, an arrest warrant was issued and Padilla contacted FAU for assistance.

On September 27 at about 10:23 p.m., Pasadena Police officers were working a DUI Checkpoint in the 50 block of West California. The driver of a 2002 Honda Accord entered the checkpoint and, without warning, suddenly backed up (out of the checkpoint lane) and fled the location. Pasadena Police Officer Karg caught up with the vehicle a few moments later and attempted to stop the car to investigate the erratic driving. The driver of the Honda abruptly stopped the car and three suspects bailed from the vehicle and attempted to evade the officer. Two suspects were quickly apprehended without further incident and a containment was established. Despite an exhaustive search, the third suspect was not located. During the subsequent investigation, Officer Karg discovered the suspects had just committed a residential burglary in San Marino. Two suspects were booked for burglary. The investigation is ongoing.

On September 27 at about 8:00 p.m., the Pasadena Police Department received a call about a missing John Muir High School student who did not return home after school. The parents advised their daughter left school in the morning; however, she did not return home. Officers learned that the missing juvenile has a history of truancy. She has no medical or mental issues. No foul play is suspected; however, she normally notifies her mother if she is not coming home directly after school. Pasadena Police officers checked the area around John Muir High School and visited other possible hangouts frequented by the missing juvenile. The on-duty Watch Commander, Lieutenant J. Dewar, contacted the local hospitals and distributed a media alert regarding the missing juvenile. On September 28, the missing juvenile was located, unharmed. She reportedly spent the night at a friend’s home and failed to communicate with her parents. More information at www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/Police. The investigation is ongoing.

On September 28 at about 7:55 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Fair Oaks Avenue and Del Mar Blvd regarding a felony assault investigation. On arrival PPD officers discovered the victim lying on the ground in Central Park holding his neck. Officers observed a laceration on the victim’s neck and called the paramedics. The victim told the investigating officers that he was in a verbal altercation with a subject; however, he did not know the person’s name. The victim said that during the verbal altercation the suspect cut or stabbed him in the neck with a knife. The victim said the suspect was last seen running away from the area. Despite a comprehensive area search, officers did not locate the suspect. The victim was transported to a local area hospital for medical evaluation.