Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Week’s Critical Incidents

On September 25, Pasadena Police officers responded to the 50 block of West Claremont Street regarding a robbery investigation. On arrival, officers talked with the victim, who said she was walking on Claremont when the suspect (Male Black Juvenile – Pasadena resident) walked up behind her and ripped off her gold chain necklace. The suspect fled the location; however, he was observed a short time later by Pasadena Police Officer Calcanas and detained without incident. The victim positively identified the suspect and her gold chains were recovered.

On September 27, the Pasadena Police Department’s Traffic Section conducted a DUI Checkpoint. Approximately 2,428 vehicles passed through the checkpoint resulting in 4 arrests for DUI. Several drivers were issued citations and two people were arrested for outstanding warrants.

On September 30, Pasadena Police officers responded to the 700 block of East California Boulevard regarding an attempted sexual assault. On arrival, officers talked with the victim who indicated she was attacked by the suspect (White or Middle Eastern, 35 – 40 years old, approximately 6’-0, full beard, with hair pulled back in a ponytail) while walking in the neighborhood. The on-duty watch commander requested a canine to assist with the investigation. Detectives were notified and our investigation is ongoing. More information about the incident at http://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/Police.

On October 2, I received information from Pasadena Police Detective R. Padilla that a wanted commercial burglary and robbery suspect had been arrested without incident. After completing a comprehensive investigation, Detective M. Hooker distributed a wanted flyer for the crimes that occurred last week at the Old Navy Store. The wanted flyer was also distributed to local municipalities. Sometime in the morning, the suspect was observed by South Pasadena Police Officers in their city and arrested without incident. Detective Hooker was contacted and the suspect was booked at the Pasadena jail. While at the jail, the suspect was interviewed by Detective Stinson and admitted that he committed the crimes.

On October 2 at about 6:40 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 500 block of North Marengo Avenue regarding an armed robbery investigation. On arrival, officers talked with the victims (Males Hispanics, 14 and 15 years old, Pasadena Residents) who said they were walking on Marengo when the suspects (Males Hispanics 16 and 19 years old, Pasadena Residents) approached them, displayed a knife, and demanded U.S. Currency, a cell phone, and a book bag. In fear for their safety, the victims complied with the demands. Pasadena Police Officer Magallon located a witness who provided additional information about the suspects. The suspect description was shared with other police officers patrolling the area and Officer Torres located the suspects, who were subsequently arrested without incident. The witnesses positively identified the suspects.

On October 3 at about 9:48 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the Pasadena Health Department regarding a bomb threat investigation. Health Department employees evacuated briefly. The suspect identified himself and police officers followed up quickly to determine his location. Our investigation is ongoing.

On October 5 at about 2:36 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 300 block of North Chester Avenue regarding a woman armed with a knife. On arrival officers located a 59 year old White female armed with a knife and threatening to commit suicide. Officers contained the area and immediately began talking with the subject. Despite the officer’s attempt to negotiate with the subject it was clear she was becoming increasingly more agitated. The subject refused to comply with the officer’s demands to drop the knife and surrender. The officers could clearly see lacerations on the subject’s arms and she admitted she was a “cutter.”

In order to safety take the subject into custody and avoid her harming herself further officers deployed a Taser device. The subject dropped the knife and was taken into custody without further incident. She was then transported to a local area hospital for medical assistance. The subject’s roommate told police officers the “victim” was trying to kill herself prior to the arrival of the police. Sergeant Sharma was the on-scene supervisor. This case is another example of the professional maturity and appropriate decision-making by Pasadena Police officers. The entire incident was well supervised and managed resulting in the rescue of a subject who clearly wanted to take her own life. The officers in this incident are commended for the tactics, maturity and decision-making. Their efforts clearly averted a lethal outcome.