Suspect Allegedly Assaults Police Vehicle, Resists Arrest in Pasadena

A transient man allegedly vandalized a closed Pasadena business late Saturday night and threw a rock at a police vehicle during a confrontation with officers, authorities said.  

Donald DiStefano, 55, was seen loitering near a closed business around 9:20 p.m. in the 400 block of North Altadena Drive, according to Pasadena police Lt. Sean Dawkins. Officers responded to the calls about the suspect loitering and looking into the windows of a closed business.

When officers arrived, DiStefano allegedly picked up a large rock and threw it at their vehicle, hitting the driver’s side door. He reportedly did not comply with verbal orders and walked away with a knife extended in each hand, along with two bottle openers.

Police then used a Taser to detain DiStefano. He was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries before being arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Lt. Dawkins said.

No officers were injured, according to Lt. Dawkins.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 or report information anonymously by contacting “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) via your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org