Search for Theft Suspects Prompts Hours-Long Lockdowns at Pasadena City College, Caltech

Three men suspected of grand theft in Glendora fled onto the Pasadena City College campus Thursday afternoon as Pasadena police closed in on them, triggering two-hour lockdowns on the campus and at nearby Caltech.

The men originally were described as “armed” but as the search unfolded fresh information indicated they were not, according to reports.

Pasadena police Lt. Marcia Taglioretti said one suspect was detained by Pasadena police after fleeing into a parking structure at PCC. His identity was not released.

A Pasadena Police Department helicopter began tracking the men suspected of stealing a lawnmower in the 100 block of Verdugo Avenue in Glendora, according to police and reports from NBC4.

“2:00 p.m., we had a call of a grand theft of lawn maintenance equipment being stolen from the back of a pickup truck. There were three suspects. They fled the area,” said Lt. Henderson of the Glendora Police Department. 

Authorities tracked the trio as they drove on the 210 freeway then exited and headed into a parking structure at Pasadena City College, prompting the college and Caltech to lockdown about 3:45 p.m. out of an abundance of caution, according to the police and statements from the two colleges.

“If not on campus, do not come to campus,” Caltech tweeted Thursday afternoon. “If on campus, please remain in place until you receive a release of the lockdown order.”

Pasadena City College announced all 5 p.m. classes at the school were canceled due to the police activity.

A Pasadena police spokesperson indicated as soon as it became evident there was no longer a threat to public safety the search was called off.

Lockdown orders at the two colleges were lifted at about 5:10 p.m. at PCC and 5:38 p.m. at Caltech.

No further details were immediately available.