New Year Wishes

The APOA wishes everyone the best for the upcoming New Year. New Years is a time for celebrating with friends and family. Please remember to party and drink responsibly throughout the holiday. Don’t drink and drive!

Jan’s Towing offers a program called “Tipsy Tow” throughout the San Gabriel Valley. If you have been drinking and are unable to drive, Jan’s will dispatch a driver to take both you and your car home for free. Call Jan’s Towing at (626) 334-1383 for details.

Remember to report drunk drivers to your local police or dial 911 if you suspect someone of driving under the influence.

Massage Parlor Monitoring Continues

Investigators from the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) joined Arcadia Police Detectives in conducting follow-up investigations at a number of massage parlors back on December 19th. These visits were conducted as part of the on-going monitoring of the massage parlors in the City of Arcadia. State Investigators were tasked with verifying compliance with State labor laws, workers compensation insurance, taxes and hourly wage standards for employees. Five locations were found to not comply with certain State regulations and were issued fines and immediate shut down orders.

The five locations that were not in compliance were:

Ocean Health Center, 556 W. Las Tunas Dr. #201
CH Health Center, 178 W. Live Oak Ave.
New Life Acupuncture, 610 E. live Oak Ave.
Arcadia Spa, 28 E.. Duarte Rd.
Best Health Center, 25 N. Santa Anita Ave. #C

Inquiries regarding Arcadia Police involvement can be directed to the APD Detective Bureau at (626) 574-5160. For questions pertaining to the EDD aspect of the investigation can be made to the State Department of Media Relations at (916) 654-9029.

Tuesday Tip - New Laws for 2009

Two new laws that go in to effect January 1, 2009 may impact the way you do business while driving. The first new law prohibits texting while driving. Previously, texting was unlawful for drivers under 18 years old. Starting in 2009, anyone texting, reading or sending communication via an electronic wireless communication device while driving, such as a cellular phone, is guilty of an infraction.

The other new law that will apply to many drivers pertains to the use of portable GPS devices. There are now only two locations that you can lawfully mount your portable GPS device while driving: either the lowermost 5” corner of the driver’s side windshield or the lowermost 7” corner of the passenger side windshield. This section is meant to keep your forward view through the windshield from being obscured in any way.

Refer to the CHP website, HERE, for a brief on other new laws for 2009.

Man Down Call Leads to Death Investigation

An elderly man was found slumped over in a center median along Huntington Drive near Holly Avenue this morning at about 11:54 AM. There were no signs of foul play and it appears that the death is natural or medical related.

Opening Day and the Day After Combine for Heavy Traffic

There was no shortage of traffic converging on the Santa Anita Race Track this morning for opening day of the regular race meet for 2008-2009. Combine the shoppers headed to Westfield Shoppingtown for after Christmas sales and there was quite the amount of traffic in town today. No major traffic related incidents were reported throughout the day.

Residential Robbery

This morning at about 10:30 AM, Officers were called to a residence in the 700 blk. of West Lemon regarding a residential "home invasion" style robbery that had just occurred. Four residents were corralled into an upstairs bedroom by one masked suspect while a second suspect ransacked the home. The suspects used handguns during the incident and wore something covering their faces throughout the robbery. The suspects made off in a late model, dark colored pick-up truck.

The SGV Tribune has a fairly detailed story on the robbery HERE.

Merry Christmas to All!

On behalf of the APOA, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season! And along with that, a "Thank You" to all of our members who are working today. Thanks for your service and dedication to the City and APD.

East-West Bank Robbed

Shortly after 10:00 AM this morning, a lone male Asian robbed the East-West Bank located in the 99 Ranch Market in West Arcadia. The market and bank are located in the 1300 blk of South Golden West. The suspect stated that he had a weapon and made off with an unknown amount of currency. The suspect was described only as about 30 years old with short dark hair wearing a dark windbreaker and dark pants.

2008 Officer and Civilian Employee of the Year Awards

The Arcadia Police Officers' Association is proud to announce that Detective Troy Hernandez was named 2008 Officer of the Year and that John Lo was named 2008 Civilian Employee of the Year. The recipients were named at the APOA annual Christmas party held on Saturday, December 20th. Troy (left) and John (right) are pictured above with Chief Robert Sanderson (center).


Troy is the APOA President and has been with APD for five years, currently assigned as a property crimes investigator in the Detective Bureau. Troy was honored by his peers and supervisors for his dedication and efforts throughout this last year with the APOA as well as his quality investigations resulting in many follow-up arrests in the Detective Bureau. Troy has about 11 years experience as a police officer having lateraled to APD some years ago.


John is two-time recipient of the Civilian Employee of the Year award, being honored previously in 2004. John is a contract maintenance employee who works tirelessly for our Department. John handles just about any task at hand and makes himself available to all of our staff. Not only does he work at APD, but he also volunteers his time as a VIP and translator.


Both of these awards are well deserved and the members of the APOA congratulate both Troy Hernandez and John Lo.

Tuesday Tip - Watch Out for Your Children

As a parent, the safety of my children is something that is constantly on my mind. I am sure that any mom or dad will echo that sentiment. With the recent attempted abduction in Arcadia, it seems appropriate to offer a link to some child safety tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Their website offers a great deal of information to parents.

HERE is also a link to the Wireless Amber Alert website. Enter your cell number on the website and you will be notified in the event of a local Amber Alert.

Watch out for your kids and don’t wait to talk with them about safety. In this holiday season, stores and malls are packed with patrons making your job even more difficult. Stay alert to your children. Never assume that they are just around the corner or hiding behind a clothing rack. Keep them in your sight and don’t hesitate to report suspicious activity to your local police.

Annual Christmas Toy Drive

As part of our annual Christmas toy drive, the APOA delivered toys to hospitalized children and kids living in area group homes and treatment centers today. The toys were collected at our station from generous donations from the community and members of the APOA. Toys were brought to McKinley Children's Center in San Dimas, Maryvale Girls Home in Rosemead and the City of Hope, Pediatric Oncology Ward, in Duarte. Pictured above is APOA President Troy Hernandez (right), Vice-President Mike Hale (left), and Records Technician Judy Cook. Judy spearheaded the event for the APOA this year.

Water Main Break

About 1:00 AM this morning, a water main break caused street flooding and damage to the roadway on Orange Grove at Hyland in North Arcadia. The water flow caused a sink hole to develop in the westbound lanes of the roadway. Arcadia Public Works responded and began immediate repair. Water service was disrupted for the immediate area and morning traffic was diverted. City crews hope to have Orange Grove opened to traffic late this afternoon.

Tuesday Tip - Package Thefts

Have you ordered Christmas presents over the phone, via the Internet, or by mail? Chances are that those packages will be delivered straight to your front porch. The majority of deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your door, even if no one is home to accept them. This time of year brings out those looking for a crime of opportunity as well as those thieves that actually target your delivery. Thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made.

Here are some suggestions for helping to prevent a theft of your packages: Use your workplace as the shipping address, track your shipments by phone or on-line so that you know what day they should arrive, ask you neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home, keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area, request a signature delivery option if available, or request the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office. Check with "mailbox" businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee. If you do not recieve your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company and your local police.

CHP Mourns Officer

The California Highway Patrol is mourning the loss of Officer Joseph Sanders of the Santa Fe Springs Office. Officer Sanders was killed on the 60 freeway early this morning while directing traffic at a collision scene. According to news reports, Officer Sanders, age 29, leaves behind his pregnant wife and three children, ages 7, 3, and 10 months. The members of the APOA send our prayers and condolences to the family of Officer Sanders and all members of the CHP. The SGV Tribune has a nice article related to the collision and tragic death of Officer Sanders. A second article can be viewed HERE.

Operation Polar Wind

Members of the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) conducted their annual toy delivery to local pediatric wards at Huntington Memorial and Arcadia Methodist Hospitals yesterday. The mission is known as Operation Polar Wind and delivers toys to children currently staying in our hospitals. Captain Gene Gioia and Sergeant Mike Castro from APD participated in the event. Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz of the SGVN.

Parking Lot Robbery Near 99 Cent Store

This from CA Live Breaking News;

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Armed Robbery-12/11/08
*Armed Robbery* 140 E Duarte Rd (Parking Lot) Arcadia; PD onscene, 2 male blacks armed w/ handguns robbed 2 subjects in 99 cents store parking lot, Suspects last seen fleeing in dark colored 70's El Camino vehicle, Taken was cell phones, PD searching area; 507.0625@1819 CABN01 ###
Posted by CA Breaking News Support at 6:20 PM

Purse Snatch

Shortly after noon yesterday, an elderly couple was walking in the area of Golden West Avenue and Arcadia Avenue. A suspect approached the woman and grabbed her purse. After a brief struggle for the purse, the suspect made off with it and was last seen running toward Arcadia Avenue. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic in his 20's wearing a black sweatshirt with a hood and dark pants.

Attempted Child Abduction

On November 26, 2008 at approximately 11:50 AM, a local pre-school visited the Westfield Mall in the City of Arcadia for a field trip. As the schoolchildren were exiting the mall, an unknown male suspect walked up to a 5-year-old child and placed his arm around the child. The suspect then led the child away from the school group and was observed by one of the school staff. The staff member ran over to the suspect and child, removed the suspect’s arm from the child, and returned with the child to the rest of the group. The suspect then walked away and out of sight. Approximately one hour later, the school reported the incident to the Arcadia Police Department. Officers checked the mall and surrounding area for the suspect, but he was not located.

Suspect Description:
Male Asian, 50-60 yrs, 5’08”, 170 lbs, grey hair with a bald spot on top of his head, yellow teeth, blue sweat pants, white sneakers, clean shaven, and he was carrying an umbrella with a circular design.

If anyone has information regarding this incident or suspect, please contact the Arcadia Police Department Detective Bureau at 626-574-5160.

Ref: Case #08-6068

UPDATE, 12/11/08 - Here are a couple of media links to news stories on the incident;

• KABC7
• KCAL9/KCBS2

Tuesday Tip - Rain, Fog, Mist = Headlights

"Headlights are on for safety." Ever see that statement on the back of a big rig? Headlights improve the visibility that other drivers have of your car. That is one reason California adopted a Vehicle Code section(24400) that requires you to drive with lights on when driving in the rain. The section also includes driving conditions that require you to have your windshield wipers on continuously, such as rain, fog, mist, snow or other atmospheric moisture. So, if you are using your windshield wipers, use your headlights as well!

Reports of Shots Fired

Early this morning, at approximately 1:00 AM, Officers responded to the 100 blk. of Fano Street after receiving reports from several residents of a woman screaming and gunshots being fired. Responding officers were unable to locate any suspect(s) or victim(s), but did discover three (3) 9mm shell casings in the street.

No damage was discovered to any surrounding buildings or vehicles and no eye witnesses were located. A check with area hospitals reported no gunshot victims.

Once again, anyone with information is asked to call APD Detectives at (626)574-5160.

Armed Robbery at Papa John's

About 9:14 PM last night, Officers were called to the Papa John's Pizza in the 1300 blk South Baldwin Avenue regarding a robbery having just occurred. The suspects corralled employees into a restroom and at one point, one suspect possibly fired a gunshot into the ceiling. The suspects stole cash from the register and an office before fleeing the location.

The suspects were described as two (2) male Hispanics in their 20’s. Both suspects were approximately 6 ft. tall, wore dark pants and covered their faces with black bandannas. Suspect # 1 wore a white hoodie with a “G-Unit” logo and Suspect # 2 wore a black hoodie. The weapon was described as a small, silver colored handgun, resembling a starter’s pistol.

Please refer any information to APD Detectives at (626)574-5160. Photo by LA Times.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Officers were called to a home in the 200 block of West Palm drive last night about 8:00 PM on a reported robbery in progress. The caller also said that shots had been fired at the house. Officers from Monrovia PD assisted on the call and the location was contained. The event was carried virtually live on the CrimeScene Blog with comments detailing some of the police activity. After some tense minutes, phone calls and public address announcements, Officers detained several people at the location. Investigation at the scene revealed that there had been no robbery and the original call was actually a false report of an emergency.

However, observations of the location and interviews lead to the discovery of the residence being used as a "House of Prostitution". An Asian male adult and an Asian female adult were both arrested and booked at APD for maintaining the house.

This is a good example of the importance of getting to know your neighborhood. Be aware of who your neighbors are and who belongs in the area. If an unusual amount of activity is observed at a particular home, call your local police. Record license numbers and descriptions of vehicles. If this residence was being used for any amount of time in this manner, there was sure to have been a high amount of foot and vehicle traffic. Be it prostitution, drug sales, or other illegal activity, we depend on your eyes to help us out!

UPDATE 12/05/08: KABC7 ran a story on the brothel discovery HERE.

Residential Burglary Thwarted

About 12:20 PM today, three male juveniles attempted to force entry into a residence in the 300 blk of Laurel in northeast Arcadia. The resident was home at the time and fled out the rear of the house. The juveniles fled on foot and the resident was able to follow them in her vehicle as she called APD. Officers detained the three males who were ultimately arrested for attempted residential burglary. All three juveniles were residents of Monrovia.

Fatal Collision on Lower Azusa

At about noon time today, Officers were dispatched to the 12300 block of Lower Azusa Road on report of a solo vehicle collision. El Monte PD and LA Co. FD were first on scene and found that a vehicle being driven E/B had lost control and collided with a tree. A male was found to be the solo occupant and driver of the vehicle. The male driver was pronounced dead on arrival. This primarily commercial and industrial stretch of Lower Azusa, in Arcadia, is just west of the 605 freeway on the City of El Monte border.

UPDATE, 12/03/08: The LA Co. Coroner has identified the deceased as 25 year old Daniel Delgado of Duarte. Witness accounts and preliminary investigation show that speed was a contributing factor in the collision. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Delgado.

Tuesday Tip - Driving in the Fog

With winter comes adverse driving conditions. The roadways were damp and fog had settled in this morning throughout the San Gabriel Valley. In conditions like this it is important to slow down and increase your following distance. When driving in the fog, make sure that your low beams remain on as use of high beams will only decrease your visibility. Allow your vehicle to warm up before leaving and use window defrosters. Open your windows slightly and listen for other traffic on the roadway. Visit the CHP website for other winter driving tips.

Attempted Parking Lot Robbery

A woman walking through the Albertson’s parking lot in the 200 blk of East Live Oak was victimized by a male who tried to steal her purse last Saturday. The incident happened around 10:40AM and the male fled without the purse when the woman struggled with him. The victim was not injured. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 16 yrs, short black hair, dark complexion, 5-00/130, wearing a brown sweater and white baggy jeans.