Arcadia Police Officers' Association Info Blog

APOA Seeks Change of Venue

2011-06-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

After 540 posts on the Arcadia Police Officers' Association Info Blog, our current Board of Directors has opted for a change of venue in the social media world. The APOA will focus on timely news updates via the Association website and plans on furthering our community engagement by use of a new APOA Facebook page. APOA President, Officer John Jurman, will take the lead in administering the Association's presence on the Internet.

As we say farewell to the Association Blog, thank you to all who have engaged with us and help the APOA build their web presence!

Don't forget to visit the official pages for the Arcadia Police Department. APD still hosts a Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Nixle accounts. Links to the official APD presence can be found on the Public Information and Resources page of the APD website.

Join the Conversation!

2011-06-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) is the leading federation for Law Enforcement associations in the State of California. The Arcadia Police Officers' Association and all of our members belong to PORAC. PORAC is active in Social Media and released this video on their YouTube channel, highlighting their various platforms and promoting "Thank a Cop Thursday" (#tacop). Take a look and join the conversation.

PORAC Facebook

PORAC Twitter

Letter in Support of Interim Police Chief Bob Guthrie

2011-06-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

The City of Arcadia is currently in the process of testing for the position of Chief of Police for the Arcadia Police Department. The following is a letter from Arcadia Police Officers' Association President, John Jurman, to Arcadia City Manager, Don Penman, and clearly states our position on this issue:

June 01, 2011

Mr. Penman,

On May 18, 2011, the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association held a general membership meeting with the main focus of this meeting being the union’s endorsement of Interim Chief Bob Guthrie for the position of permanent Chief of Police. This vote of endorsement was done by secret ballot and I am pleased to tell you the turnout from our membership in regard to this very important issue was high.

After tallying the votes the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association overwhelmingly declared its intent to support Interim Chief Bob Guthrie as he vies for the position of Chief of Police. One significant note of importance in this vote was the turnout of the entire management team from the police department who individually and collectively stated their support for Bob Guthrie as the permanent Chief of Police.

I wanted to take a moment to ensure you that the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association is an organization of professionals and as such we shall work with and give our full support to whomever you choose as the leader of this department. However, based on many years of working hand in hand with Bob Guthrie, we feel his level of commitment to this department and community, his extraordinary professionalism and knowledge of the law enforcement profession (past, present and future) makes him an outstanding candidate for the position of Chief of Police. From his many years of service, we feel Bob Guthrie has a vested interest in this department and its people. Bob Guthrie has a vision for the future of this organization and as such, a vision for a safer Arcadia community.

Sincerely,

_________________________

John Jurman

President, Arcadia Police Officers’ Association

Status of the APOA Blog

2011-06-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for their patience over that last six months. I have been concentrating efforts on the official Social Media presence on behalf of the Arcadia Police Department and have neglected the APOA Blog. I am working on recruiting some additional participants from the APOA in order to keep our APOA Blog up and running. In the interim, please bear with us and keep an eye out for future posting. The next post will be one of interest to many, and I felt the need to post it on behalf of the APOA membership...stay tuned!

Tom Le Veque

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-01T08:35:00.001-08:00

The members of the Arcadia Police Officers' Association wish everyone all the best for 2011! Happy New Year!

Letter from APOA President Troy Hernandez

2010-12-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2010

Dear Community and Fellow APOA Members,

For the last six years, it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association. During this time, I have developed and fostered personal and professional relationships that I hold near and dear to my heart. The great citizens of our community have been extremely supportive and for that, I am forever thankful.

As we move into 2011, we will see the leadership in the APOA change, welcoming in four new Board Directors who will join Directors Dan Crowther and John Jurman. The incoming Directors are; Luis Vicuna, Andrew Pruhs, Christian Blesch, and Larry Peralta. The new APOA Board will select the next President and Vice-President, replacing outgoing VP Mike Hale and me. I also wish to thank our outgoing Directors, Phil Pierce and Kollin Cieadlo, for their hard work and dedication to the APOA.

The Arcadia Police Officers’ Association is committed to the betterment of our people as we believe in the community we serve. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety and reducing fear and the incidence of crime. We believe in treating all people with respect and dignity as our residents are our most important resource. We strive to achieve the highest level of quality in all aspects of our service, as integrity is our standard.

Respectfully,

Troy Hernandez
President, Arcadia Police Officers’ Association

Arcadia Police Department Honors Police Officer & Civilian of the Year for 2010

2010-12-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Arcadia Police Department awarded their annual Police Officer of the Year and the Civilian Employee of the Year awards last night at the annual Police Association Christmas party. For 2010, the award recipients were Officer John Jurman and Logistical Services Officer Cris Hoefflin.

Officer John Jurman is pictured above left, along with Chief Bob Sanderson. Officer Jurman is a tenured member of the Department and is currently assigned to the Traffic Bureau. John was recognized for his service to the Department, the Police Association (APOA), and the community. John headed up the Arcadia Police Department Relay for Life team in 2010, spearheading our fundraising efforts to fight cancer. Most recently, John took it upon himself to seek donations from fellow personnel in order to purchase a market gift card for a family in need that he had come upon during a work shift, going above and beyond the normal call of duty.

Logistical Services Officer Cris Hoefflin was awarded the Arcadia Police Department, Civilian of the Year award for his service and dedication to not only the Department, but to his fellow employees, as well. Cris is our "go to" person and truly keeps our agency running on a daily basis. Cris is never without a friendly welcome and a smile to match. Whenever there is a task to be dealt with or a job to be done in our facility, Cris makes it happen. Pictured below, left to right are: Mike Hale, APOA Vice-President; Troy Hernandez, APOA President; Cris Hoefflin; and Chief Bob Sanderson.

Congratulations to both Officer John Jurman and to Logistical Services Officer Cris Hoefflin on their deserving awards! A special thank you to Matt Denny's Ale House in Arcadia for hosting the event, to Cake Shenanigans by Sarah Turner for dessert, and to Designs by Kelly for the centerpieces.

City, police officers association agree to new long-term deal - SGVTribune.com , Azusa CA

2010-12-09T06:18:00.000-08:00

City, police officers association agree to new long-term deal - SGVTribune.com

Chief Bob Sanderson Lands in Arcadia MDA "Lock-Up"

2010-12-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

Arcadia Police Chief Bob Sanderson spent some time in the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) "Lock-Up" today at BJ's Restaurant in Arcadia. Chief Sanderson's goal was to reach a bail of $1,250 in MDA donations. The Arcadia Police Officer's Association kicked in with a $500 donation to the MDA and the Chief far surpassed his goal, raising $2,600 by this afternoon. Congrats to the Chief and we are glad to have him back.

For additional information and photos, visit the Official APD Blog post HERE.

We Will Never Forget

2010-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today is the ninth anniversary of the attacks on our Country that took place on September 11, 2001. Please take a moment to remember all those that lost their lives, suffered, or endured tragedy on that day. We will never forget!

Beat the Heat!

2010-08-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

The San Gabriel Valley is under an excessive heat watch this week. Did you know that the Arcadia Senior Center is a dedicated L.A. County Cooling Center? The Senior Center is located at 365 Campus Drive, Arcadia. HERE is a link to the list of County Cooling Centers.

New Tab on Police Facebook Pages for anonymous tip/crime reporting

2010-08-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

New Tab on Police Facebook Pages for anonymous tip/crime reporting

Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog: Crime Analyst Applications Being Accepted

2010-08-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog: Crime Analyst Applications Being Accepted: "Applications are being accepted for the position of Crime Analyst with the Arcadia Police Department, now through September 3, 2010, or unti..."

Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog: "Tip" Buttons Everywhere

2010-08-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog: "Tip" Buttons Everywhere: "Back in April, we introduced you to LA Crime Stoppers, a regional effort to provide the public a 'tip' link to all Los Angeles County Law E..."

In Remembrance of Arcadia Police Reserve Officer Mike Daleo

2010-08-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

Arcadia Police Reserve Officer Mike Daleo passed away Saturday, July 24, 2010, after a short but harsh battle with cancer. Mike's loving family was with him in the last few days and his wife Marilyn was at his side the entire way. Mike is survived by his wife Marilyn, their son Tim and daughter-in-law Tiffany, daughter Jennifer and husband TJ Forman, step-grandchildren Lindy and Colton, and grandson Nolan Michael.

Mike Daleo was also APD's Crime Analyst, having established the Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) in 1994. Mike's expertise quickly grew and his services to the Department were immense. Not only did Arcadia benefit from Mike and the CAU, but his talents and services were utilized by numerous police agencies throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

A Police Reserve for 34 years, Mike was not only active in the Reserve Association, but with the APOA as well. Mike and Marilyn were always in attendance at APOA functions and Mike never missed a chance to play in a charity golf tournament or bowling event. Mike was also very active in the community, participating in the Lions Club, the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, the Arcadia HS Music Club, and many other local groups and activities. One of his favorite hobbies was building and maintaining his '56 Chevy Bel Air, which he took great pride in. This was to be his year, taking the '56 to Reno for the "Hot August Nights" show.

We all said goodbye to Mike in a beautiful service at Rose Hills Memorial Park on Friday, July 30, 2010. The service was followed by a graveside memorial and interment. During the service, it was noted that Mike's final resting place overlooks a pond on the grounds of Rose Hills. Mike would like the view very much as it resembles the many rounds of golf shared with his family and friends. Rest in peace Mike, we will all miss you!

For some nice photos of Mike's service at Rose Hills, link to a posting on Facebook by Retired Lab Tech Chet King.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T01:57:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day! Remember that all fireworks are unlawful in the City of Arcadia, even "safe & sane."

Big "Thank You" to Stacked Sandwich

2010-06-28T16:02:00.001-07:00

Mike and Kai-Ya of Stacked Sandwich in Arcadia deserve a big "Thank You" from the APOA. Mike was one of our first business donors in the support of the APOA Relay for Life team. Back in early May, Mike offered up two days where 50% of the lunch procedes were donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Arcadia, Team APOA. Stacked Sandwich donated about $400.00 to the cause. Thanks to Mike and Kai-Ya for their support to both the APOA and Relay for Life.

2010 Relay for Life of Arcadia

2010-06-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Arcadia Police Officers' Association proudly participated in the 2010 Relay for Life of Arcadia held this past weekend at the Santa Anita Race Track. Members of the APOA team raised in excess of $7,500.00 to benefit the American Cancer Society. This years event was dedicated to two of our co-workers, Arcadia Fire Department Captain Andy Troncale and Firefighter Gerry Martin who have both been stricken with cancer.

The APOA team was headed by Motor Officer John Jurman (pictured above left) who coordinated the APOA participation. Thanks to John for taking the lead! And, a big thanks to the Outback Restaurant of Arcadia for providing dinner to our team on Saturday night. The Arcadia Community was well represented for this worthwhile event with over 700 walkers taking part.

Vote YES to Extend Arcadia's Lighting Assessment District

2010-06-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Without a property-owner approved extension, the City must seriously consider cuts to essential City services, such as police protection, fire and emergency medical response services, street maintenance, library services, and youth/senior programs in order to keep the street lights on and properly maintained.

Arcadia residents value a safe, well-maintained City. Our safe, well lit streets help to maintain stable neighborhoods and property values, and keep Arcadia’s neighborhoods and commercial areas desirable places to live and do business.

Renewing funding for the City’s street lights will assist in maintaining the safety and character of our neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial districts.

The APOA encourages all residents to respond with a YES vote to extend Arcadia's Lighting Assessment District.

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

To those that are serving and those that have served, we wish you the best on this Memorial Day 2010. To the men and women who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, we salute you! Take the time to say "Thanks" to our vets and current members of our military, not just today, but everyday.

Remember to proudly display your American Flag at half-staff today, from sunrise to noon in honor of our service personnel who have given their lives for our Country.

Remembering One of Our Own

2010-04-30T12:45:00.001-07:00

At 5:30 am, this past Wednesday, April 28, 2010, Sergeant Paul Harrington completed his final shift. Paul was 85 years old and was a very proud member of the United States Marines Corps. He participated in numerous landings in the South Pacific during WWII as he fought to maintain our freedom that we enjoy today. Paul joined the Arcadia Police Department on March 18, 1957 and rose to the rank of Sergeant before retiring in August 1980.

Some kind words from Retired Captain Rick Sandona; "Paul was a class act and loved the Arcadia Police Department and the citizens of Arcadia. I remember him well as he took this young rookie cop under his wings and gave him friendship and guidance."

Sergeant Paul Harrington will be cremated and laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Kona Hawaii. Thank you Paul for your service and dedication to the Arcadia Police Department and the Arcadia Community.

In Memory of a Fallen Local Hero

2010-04-30T07:39:00.001-07:00

Personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department stand watch over the memorial for slain hero Deputy David March. Yesterday was the anniversary of the murder of Deputy March who was killed during a traffic stop on Live Oak Avenue, east of Peck Road, on April 29, 2002. A memorial was built in his honor at the scene. Temple Deputies remember Deputy March not only on the anniversary of his death, but throughout the year by displaying his call sign, "57" on the rear window of Temple units. The APOA would like to take a moment and ask everyone to remember this local fallen hero.

Balls O' Fire Celebrity Bowling Tournament 2010

2010-04-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

Members of the Arcadia Police Officers' Association participated once again in the annual Balls O' Fire Celebrity Bowling Tournament to benefit the Foothill Aids Project (FAP). The event was held last Sunday at Deer Creek Lanes in Rancho Cucamonga.

Each year, the tournament also hosts a friendly competition between Law Enforcement and fire agencies, awarding the "Guns & Hoses" trophy to the winning team. The APOA team came in first place, taking home the trophy.

Our celebrity bowlers included Rad Daly (pictured above left), an actor who will be appearing in the "A-TEAM" movie later this year, Kelly Edge, host of "Decorating Cents" on HGTV, LPGA Golfer Kim Kouwabunrat, and Allen Maldonado, an actor from television's "The Young and the Restless." Kim is pictured below center along with the APOA Team, Detective Phil Pierce, Lieutenant Paul Foley, Kim Kouvabunrat, Cadet Aida Vazquez, and Sergeant Tom Le Veque (L to R). Kelly Edge took home the first place trophy for celebrity women and Tom Le Veque came in second place in the patron men's division (pictured above right).

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T00:49:00.000-07:00

Wishing the best to everyone during this Easter holiday. In addition to all those on the road with the holiday weekend, many schools are out for spring break. Take care on the roads and travel safely. Happy Easter!

Our Upcoming City Council Election

2010-03-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

The latest Arcadia City Council Candidate forum was held at the Arcadia Women's Club last Tuesday evening, March 23, 2010. Troy Henandez and I attended the forum and wish to thank the forum sponsors: the Arcadia Women's Club, the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, the Arcadia Association of Realtors, and the Arcadia Weekly. The forum was hosted by the owner of Arcadia's Best, a local influential blogger, Scott Hettrick. While the Arcadia Weekly delivered a forum recap in yesterday's edition, the Pasadena Star News opted to offer only an opinion, naming their candidate choices. Scott Hettrick took issue with the PSN editorial and authored his own response on Arcadia's Best, citing blatant lapses in the PSN opinion piece. I believed that the forum was civil, informative, and left me with no doubt that the APOA has chosen to endorse the right candidates.

The Arcadia Police Officers' Association is built on unity, strength, honor, and integrity. Our membership, the men and women of your Police Department, are committed to each other, to our Department, our Association, and the Community that we serve. We work toward enhancing public safety and providing the highest level of service to all.

Our ability to deliver excellence to the Community is based on many factors, which indeed include support from City officials, members of the Community, and our City Council. Bearing this in mind, it is our responsibility to support political candidates that not only mirror our values as a group, but candidates that will deliver the same excellence in service that you demand of your Police Officers. Any successful organization is based on cohesive teams of people working together toward common goals. We have been lucky to have had leadership from top to bottom in this City in recent years and much of that credit goes to our current City Manager, Don Penman, and our Police Chief, Bob Sanderson.

Not that long ago, our Department was at a low point in morale and our staffing levels had reached all time lows with Officer positions being vacated right and left. At one point, our Department was down 18 of 75 Officers, putting a huge burden on staffing, overtime, and specialized programs. These factors contributed greatly to the APOA's diligent efforts to bring public safety to the forefront in the Community eye. We not only gained Community support, but a majority of then sitting City Councilmen, City Management, and APOA leadership worked TOGETHER to resolve contractual and personnel issues haunting us at the time.

Since then, the Arcadia Police Officers' Association has been called on by City management and City Council to step forward, TOGETHER, backing Measure A, State propositions, and to make employee concessions during these tough economic times. The APOA enjoys this excellent working relationship with our City family that includes our City Council and the Community.

The Arcadia Police Officers' Association stands firm in endorsing Sho Tay, Mickey Segal, and Bob Harbicht for Arcadia City Council. These three men will work TOGETHER looking toward the future and bringing excellence in service to the City of Arcadia.

Tom Le Veque, APOA

No Shortage of Firefighter Applicants

2010-03-16T19:35:00.001-07:00

If you passed City Hall early this morning, you undoubtedly noticed a long line of folks and sleeping bags. No, it was not a City sponsored camp out, it was a few hundred people waiting in line for Arcadia Firefighter applications. The City handed out about 200+ applications early today. It is unknown how many spots are expected to be filled.

Good luck to all the applicants. Law Enforcement statistics show that on average 2 out of 100 applicants become Police Officers. I wonder what the percentages are for fire applicants?

APOA and St. Baldrick's Day

2010-03-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

The annual St. Baldrick's Day celebration was held last night at Matt Denny's Ale House & Restaurant in Arcadia. Over $40,000.00 in donations were received by the St. Baldrick's Foundation that was founded to help fight childhood cancer. Dozens of Arcadia Police Officers and Firefighters, both on and off-duty gathered in support of the fundraiser. Take a look at photos of the event on the APD Facebook page. It was a joy to see the smiles on the children's faces as they rode in on the Fire Engine and helped in shaving the heads of Arcadia's Finest! The video above is from myFOXla.com and reporter Susan Hirasuna. Special thanks to Matt Denny's and Salon Del Sol.

Letter in Support of Candidates

2010-02-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

February 25, 2010

Dear Resident,

On February 17th, 2010, the men and women of the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association met with 4 of the 6 candidates vying for 3 City Council seats. Each candidate was given the opportunity to speak about their campaign as well as answer important questions from our general membership. In attendance were candidates: Mickey Segal, Bob Harbicht, Peter Amundson and Sho Tay. After much discussion and a review with the general membership, the Arcadia Police Offices’ Association unanimously voted to officially endorse and support Mickey Segal, Bob Harbicht and Sho Tay.

Our decision to back these candidates was easy. We believe in the community we serve. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety and reducing fear and the incidence of crime. We believe in treating all people with respect and dignity as our residents are our most important resource. We strive to achieve the highest level of quality in all aspects of our service, as integrity is our standard. Mickey Segal, Bob Harbicht and Sho Tay share this mission. On behalf of the men and women of the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association, it is my honor and privilege to endorse these gentlemen as candidates for the Arcadia City Council.

Sincerely,

Troy Hernandez
President, Arcadia Police Officers’ Association

TH/mh

APOA Endorses Arcadia City Council Candidates

2010-02-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

Members of the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association gathered Wednesday, February 17, 2010 for a general membership meeting. This meeting highlighted upcoming City Council elections to be held on April 13, 2010. At stake are three seats on the Arcadia City Council. The APOA was approached by four of the six candidates who sought endorsement from our membership. Candidates Sho Tay, Bob Harbicht, Peter Amundson, and Mickey Segal each addressed the membership and participated individually in a “Q&A” session. The meeting was informative and provided us a great opportunity to interact and speak with each of the candidates.

After listening to the candidates and discussion amongst the membership, members voted unanimously to endorse and support Bob Harbicht, Mickey Segal, and Sho Tay for election to Arcadia City Council on April 13, 2010. We look forward to continuing to participate in the campaign process and assisting our candidates in their successful election to City Council.

Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

We celebrate two holidays today with both the Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day falling on the same date in 2010. The men and women of the APOA wish you the best for both these occasions. Happy Chinese New Year 2010, the Year of the Tiger, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Celebrate safely, enjoy the day but please remember to be responsible. Don't Drink and Drive!

Arcadia Council Cadidates Start Early

2010-02-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

Aside from old school print media coverage, advertisements and letters to the editor, our City Council candidates have new outlets for exposure, airing their views and hopefully, conversation. Arcadia's Best has opened blog space on their website for the candidates and four have taken advantage of the Internet to voice their opinions. A couple have even snipped back and forth already.

Members of the Arcadia Police Officers' Association will be able to listen to and question the position of several candidates who have expressed interest in addressing our membership. The candidates will appear at a membership meeting later this month. While we understand that City Council does not work directly with the APOA, it is important to maintain open lines of communication. We saw great strides made in the last few years in this arena and the APOA is thankful to the current City Council members that reached out to our membership.

It is evident early on that there are concerns in the community and positions being stated by City Council candidates that either directly impact our membership or in which our members play a vital role in. Such as traffic enforcement and engineering issues, budget and state of the City, crime prevention and what types of crime trends are being seen in Arcadia. These are all important issues, along with many others, that impact the community and we urge those of you in the City to listen to each position but more importantly, research and learn what is not only the best for the City of Arcadia but what is realistic and attainable. Don't let campaign rhetoric cloud the issues.

Where is the Tuesday Tip?

2010-02-09T04:13:00.000-08:00

The APOA "Tuesday Tip" posts will be moving. We will be starting a "Weekly Tip" on the APD Blog. Check back tomorrow on the APD Blog for this weeks tip on "Unmarked Police Units."

Past tips will remain in the archives and searchable by topic by using the tab at the top of the page.

Arcadia Police Department Opens Up to Social Media

2010-02-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Arcadia Police Department officially opened up to the use of Social Media this last week with Chief Bob Sanderson authorizing a new Department Blog and use of Facebook and Twitter in conjunction with our Nixle Community Wire. This move forward will mean additional access to the community and many more ways to interact with the Arcadia Police Department. Visit the official APD Blog HERE.

Our APOA Blog will continue to be published with a shift in focus to highlight more Association related news and updates, membership activity, local politics, and City related business. The weekly tips and APD activity will move to the official APD Blog. With almost two years of blogging and over 500 posts, the APOA Blog continues to contribute toward our Department motto, "Making a Difference."

Tuesday Tip - Personal Safety

2010-02-02T04:46:00.000-08:00

With several recent violent robberies taking place, people have asked how can they prevent becoming a victim and what to do should they be confronted. Answers are not easy and every situation is different but here are some basic tips that may help:

Awareness & Avoidance - Not enough can be said for being aware of your surroundings. It does not matter where you are, at home, out shopping, driving, at the park, DO NOT settle into a fog and become so involved in your task that you fail to look around. Scan the area before you head out. Look around and see what potential threats may be looming. Are there suspicious persons parked by your car? Is there a car approaching slowly from behind? If you see something that makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, walk away, return to the store and report the activity and your observations to security or store staff. The highlighted title above will link you to a previous tip on being safe in your home for additional tips and thoughts.
Be a Good Witness - If you see a crime or fall victim, be the best witness that you can be. Without good suspect descriptions it is difficult for police to conduct follow-up, apprehend criminals and hopefully help prevent others from becoming future victims. Basic physical descriptions such as hair color and style, height, weight and build, clothing color and type, suspect vehicle description and license plate, direction of travel, are all things that a responding police officer will ask for. Try and make note of anything specific to the suspect such as tattoos, scars, piercings or perhaps damage in a particular location on a suspect vehicle.
Consider the Stakes - If this is a property crime and you are in fear for your safety, give up the purse, the wallet, the car. Your personal well-being is much more valuable than your property. Property can be replaced, you can't.
Make a Scene! - Drawing attention to yourself and more importantly to the suspect can not only deter the crime but also bring forward other witnesses and possibly help. Yell, scream, use a whistle, run away...
Don't be a Target - Walk with a purpose and look about surveying your surroundings. Carry your keys and whistle in your hand, not buried in your purse. This allows you to immediately open your vehicle, set off your car alarm if needed, or perhaps use the keys to slash at your attacker if you are being physically assaulted. Keep your purse tucked under your shoulder, not dangling down or sitting unattended in a cart.

Query the topic of personal safety on-line. There are many quality sites that offer additional advice and products that can bolster your safety. Best overall advice...Awareness and Avoidance!

Students Injured in Collision

2010-01-29T14:34:00.000-08:00

Officers were called to the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Second Avenue at about 8:00 AM on report of three pedestrians struck by a vehicle. A vehicle travelling south on Second Avenue was making a left turn to eastbound Foothill Boulevard and struck three females walking north in the crosswalk. All three girls suffered minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The three girls were all middle school students walking to school. The cause of the collision is being investigated by Arcadia Police.

Third Parking Lot Robbery

2010-01-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

Thieves targeted a female victim who was loading groceries in her trunk while parked in the lot of 99 Ranch Market for the third robbery in a week. The suspects vehicle pulled up behind the victim and the passenger suspect leaned out of the vehicle grabbing the victim's purse from her arm. The suspects dragged the victim about 30 feet as they drove off before she was able to break free from the purse. The victim suffered minor injuries in the incident but was unable to furnish a good description of the suspects. She did describe the suspect vehicle as a 1980-90's burgundy vehicle, possibly a Buick Century.

APD is investigating two other robberies occurring at this location where the suspect vehicle was described as being maroon or burgundy in color. The first occurred on January 20th and the second happened on Friday, January 22nd. Anyone with information is asked to call APD Detectives at (626) 574-5160.

Good Weekend Activity Summary from Arcadia's Best

2010-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Arcadia's Best has a nice summary of the weekend activity for APD posted on their website. The activity included an injury pedestrian collision on Huntington Drive, multiple arrests for grant Theft Auto and other crimes, as well as information on a fatal crash on the IS 210 freeway which was handled by the California Highway Patrol.

Second Robbery in Parking Lot of 99 Ranch Market

2010-01-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

Early Friday evening at about 6:20 PM (Jan 22nd) a female became the second robbery victim in three days in the parking lot of the 99 Ranch Market located in the 1300 block south Golden West. A burgundy 4-door sedan pulled along side the female while she walked in the parking lot toward her car. A male passenger leaned out and grabbed the victim's purse, forcing it away from the victim. The suspect vehicle then drove off exiting the lot to eastbound on Duarte Road. The victim described the suspect passenger as a male Hispanic, 30's, 5'-08"/165 lbs, wearing a black jacket.

The first robbery occurred on Wednesday at about 3;30 PM when a female victim was knocked to the ground and kicked by a suspect. The loss was also a purse in that robbery. In both robberies the suspect vehicle is described as a 4-door, maroon or burgundy in color.

Tuesday Tip - Dog Licenses

2010-01-26T04:52:00.000-08:00

In the City of Arcadia, licenses are required for all dogs over the age of four months. They may be purchased on a yearly basis for a charge of $20 for non-spayed animals; $10 for spayed animals and $5 for senior citizens with spayed animals. Licenses may be obtained at the Cashier's Office at Arcadia City Hall or at the Pasadena Humane Society(PHS). Link to the PHS application form HERE

Prior to completing the application process, you may call PHS at (626) 792-7151 ext. 115 to verify that you are indeed in their service area and within the City of Arcadia. Residents who live in the unincorporated area of Arcadia are serviced by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. The Baldwin Park shelter is the local county facility and they can be reached at (626) 962-3577.

Downed Tree Damages Cars and Garage

2010-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

A large tree went down in today's weather shortly before 3:00 PM in the 2000 block of Highland Oaks Drive. There were no injuries but the tree did fall on two vehicles and a portion of a residential garage causing damage. Arcadia City personnel were assessing damage late this afternoon. (Photo courtesy V. Whalen)

Robbery in Parking Lot of 99 Ranch Market

2010-01-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

A woman was leaving the 99 Ranch Market located in the 1300 block of South Golden West at about 3:30 PM yesterday when she was grabbed from behind and pushed to the ground. A male suspect kicked her in the face and grabbed her purse, running off with a second suspect. The incident occurred as the woman was walking with groceries back to her vehicle parked in the parking lot.

The first suspect was described as a male Asian, 40's, 5'-06", clean shaven, short dark hair, wearing a purple and red jacket and black pants. The second suspect was only described as a male. A possible suspect vehicle was said to be a maroon colored, older 4 door, possibly a Nissan Sentra. Anyone with information is asked to call APD Detectives at (626) 574-5160.

Help Deny Parole for Killer of LAPD Metro Officer Jim Pagliotti

2010-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

APOA President Troy Hernandez authored the below letter addressed to the Parole Board to help in the fight to deny parole to the killer of Los Angeles Police Department Metro Officer Jim Pagliotti. A hearing is set for late February for Louis Belvin Jr. The APOA joins the LAPPL in asking for the public's help in keeping this killer behind bars. Please write to the Parole Board at the below address referencing your dissent toward the release of Belvin #H33133.

California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility & State Prison
900 Quebec Avenue
Corcoran, Ca 93212

Dear Parole Board Members:

I am writing this letter on behalf of the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association to express our voice and concern reference Louis Belvin’s (#H33133) parole eligibility. Over 30 years ago a valued life was viciously and uncaringly taken from this earth. That day, Monday, June 22, 1987, Police Officer III James H. Pagliotti made the ultimate surrender. Officer Pagliotti’s self-sacrificing actions to protect the citizens of the City of Los Angeles and his fellow officers will never be forgotten. In 1987 alone, there were 182 total line of duty deaths. Of the 182 deaths, 75 were from hostile gunfire. Mr. Belvin was responsible for 1 of those deaths. His actions on that horrific day were specific, evil, selfish and unforgivable.

It goes without saying that every Police Officer knows that he or she may not return home at night to see their family and friends. Please do not allow Mr. Belvin to make that thought become reality again for another Police Officer. We are asking that the board deny Mr. Belvin his right to commit felonious crimes once again and to protect the innocent citizens whom he would prey on.

Respectfully Submitted,

Det T. Hernandez
President, APOA

Theft Suspects Wanted

2010-01-19T14:25:00.001-08:00

The two females pictured here have committed at least two distraction thefts at businesses in Arcadia over the last month. The women enter the store accompanied with young children, a male and a female. One suspect will distract the clerk or employee while the other suspect steals items from the sales counter and takes cash from the register.

The females are described as being in their mid 30's, 5'6"-5'7", 140-180 lbs, brown hair, possibly dyed blond. A possible vehicle associated with the pair is a dark colored Toyota pick-up truck.

Anyone with information is asked to call APD Detectives at (626) 574-5160. Refer case #'s 09-6854 or 10-0345.

Security Guard Arrested for Burglary

2010-01-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

Officers arrived in the 600 block of West Duarte Road last Sunday night to meet with the victim of an auto burglary. During the investigation, a witness came forward and pointed out a parking lot security guard that was the possible suspect. Officers contacted the guard and found a purse and other evidence stolen in the auto burglary inside the guard's vehicle. A 46-year old male from Los Angeles was arrested and booked at APD on suspicion of auto burglary. The incident occurred shortly after 9:00 PM.

Tuesday Tip - Buyer Beware

2010-01-19T04:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been approached in a mall or store parking lot when someone asks if you would like to buy a "home theatre system" or perhaps some jewelry? A would-be scam artist took it a bit further last week in Arcadia, walking through businesses offering to sell victims a "new" Apple iPhone and other Apple products. A quick thinking witness called the police and the suspect was arrested with several phony items. The suspect told officers that he purchased the known counterfeit items in Los Angeles, hoping to sell them for profit to unsuspecting victims.

This type of activity takes place not only via the Internet but also in person. Suspects will drive around with quantities of either stolen or sometimes counterfeit items and offer them at what seems like a "steal" of a price. Be leery of anyone who approaches you offering items for sale. Some knockoff items may look convincing. If you can't verify the legitimacy of an item and are not purchasing it from a reputable source, you really have no options once you are duped. Remember the old saying, if it seems to good to be true... Buyer Beware!

Suspect Arrested with Phony Apple Products

2010-01-13T04:32:00.000-08:00

On Sunday afternoon, January 10th, at about 1:20 PM, a lone male suspect entered a business in the 1000 block of South Baldwin Avenue and offered to sell the employees an assortment of Apple iPhones and Nanos at a discounted price. One of the employees thought that this was suspicious and called APD. Officers arrived and detained the suspect who was in possession of over a half dozen counterfeit Apple products. A 29-year old Los Angeles man was taken into custody and booked at APD on felony charges.

This serves as a good warning and reminds us, "buyer beware." Look for the "Tuesday Tip" next week to cover this type of scam.

Purse & Phone Stolen in Street Robbery

2010-01-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

A 20-year old female victim was walking home after exiting a bus when she was approached by a male suspect on foot demanding her purse. The suspect grabbed the victim's purse forcing it away from her, fleeing to an awaiting vehicle. The incident occurred on Saturday night, January 9th, at about 9:00 PM, near Tenth Avenue and Longden Avenue in Arcadia.

The suspect is described as a male, African American, 20's, short dark hair, 5'-05"/thin, dark complected, wearing dark clothing. The suspect vehicle was described as an older model 4-door, possibly silver, with a partial license plate similar to "527." The driver was also a male, African American, heavy set.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at (626)574-5160.

Tuesday Tip - Census Bureau Scams

2010-01-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Apparent Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home. See HERE for tips on being safe in your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

Arrest and Stolen Vehicle Recovery Result from ALPR Hit

2010-01-05T15:25:00.001-08:00

Officers arrested a male driver and female passenger in a stolen vehicle yesterday after receiving a "hit" on a police unit equipped with an automated license plate reader (ALPR). The stolen vehicle alert came in while the unit was conducting patrol in the area of Live Oak and Tyler in South Arcadia at about 3:30 PM. Officers conducted a stop on the stolen car and took the duo into custody without incident. The vehicle had been stolen out of the LASD Temple Station area within the week prior. A 37 year old male resident of Los Angeles and a 47 year old female from Arcadia were booked at APD.

2009 Totals for APD

2010-01-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

Calls for Service - 50,371

Formal Investigations - 7,092

Arrests - 1,417

Tuesday Tip - New Laws for 2010

2010-01-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

There are a few new laws that will take effect in 2010 that you need to be aware of. A couple have to do with higher fees for drivers license and vehicle licenses, one law allows video screens in the drivers compartment if not visible to the driver, vehicle impoundment as public nuisance, a pilot program to require ignition interlock devices for DUI convictions, and making permanent the "slow down, move over" section in the California Vehicle Code. The Automobile Club of Southern California has posted the new laws in their News & Views section of their website. Take a look at the AAA site for more detail on these new laws.

Tragic End to Missing Person Case

2010-01-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Julius Tinley Jr. was reported missing to Arcadia Police over the New Years holiday by his family. Mr. Tinley was 81 years old and was last seen on New Years Eve. Shortly after midnight this morning, a California Highway Patrol Officer located Mr. Tinley's vehicle parked in a turnout on Highway 18, about 10 miles south of Big Bear. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department arrived thereafter, assisted in the investigation and contacted the Arcadia Police Department who dispatched an Officer and Detectives to the scene. Members of the SBSD Search and Rescue Unit discovered the victim, deceased, over 300 feet down the snow and ice covered slope from the turnout. SBSD helicopters assisted in recovering the victim. Foul play is not suspected and it appears that this was a tragic accident. The final cause of death will be determined by the Coroner's Division of SBSD. The victim's family said that Mr. Tinley loved the outdoors and visited the mountains often.

Thank you to the members of the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, both sworn and volunteer, that assisted in this investigation. Mr. Tinley is pictured above along with members of the SBSD.

Best Wishes for the New Year

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

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.

Enjoy the New Year and be safe!

Temporary Parking Permits Available On-Line

2009-12-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

The Arcadia Police Department is adding to services available on-line by making the purchase of temporary overnight parking permits available via the City website. Parking permits are required to park vehicles on City streets during overnight hours. The hours are changing to 2:30-5:30 AM effective January 15, 2010. APD currently offers on-line reporting for certain types of crime reports and will offer the on-line temporary parking permits effective January 9, 2010.

HERE is a link to the City website for future purchase of Temporary Overnight Parking Permits. This link is available on the home page of the City of Arcadia website under "On-Line Services." You can still purchase temporary permits in the lobby of APD. The charge for each night of parking is $3.00 either on-line or in the lobby. There is a $1.00 service fee per permit when purchased on-line.

Annual overnight parking permits are available for purchase at the Cashier's Office in City Hall. Both Annual and Temporary Overnight Parking Permits only allow vehicles to park on the street overnight, not in violation of any other regulations or signs.

Carless Suspects Arrested for Auto Burglary at Mall

2009-12-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

Sloppy work on the part of two suspects landed them in jail on Sunday evening, booked on suspicion of auto burglary. At about 6:30 PM, the victim returned to his parked car at the Westfield Shoppingtown, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, to find his stereo yanked from the dash. Along with the theft, the victim recovered a set of keys and a remote that were left inside the his car. The victim saw two suspicious males parked next to his vehicle and left the scene feeling that they may be involved in the theft. A short time later, the two suspects ventured into the mall security office looking for a set of lost keys. Needless to say, the incidents were all linked and two 18 year old males from Los Angeles went to jail. The stereo was later recovered.

Christmas Eve Robbery

2009-12-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

At about 4:20 PM on Christmas Eve, a male victim was on his break from a local restaurant standing in the business parking lot located in the 500 block of Live Oak Avenue. The victim was approached by a male suspect who grabbed the victim by the arm and demanded his property. The victim struggled and fell to the ground. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and was able to take the victim's cell phone. The suspect then fled through a nearby alley.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 20-25 years old, shaved head, wearing sunglasses, a dark shirt and jeans. The weapon used was a dark colored revolver. Anyone with information is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5150.

Tuesday Tip - New Year's Eve Safety

2009-12-29T04:24:00.000-08:00

We will celebrate New Year's Eve this week and there are a number of things to consider when it comes to celebrating safely. Here are a few things to think about for our New Years celebrations:

Don't Drink and Drive!
Use a designated driver, or if need be, call Jan's Tipsy Tow for a ride home for you and your car. See Jan's Towing website for details.
DO NOT fire weapons into the air. Bullets and projectiles can travel long distances causing injury and death. You have no control where a projectile will land when fired indiscriminately into the air.
Stay inside at the stroke of midnight! Celebrate with friends and family indoors.
Keep an eye on your pets. Loud noises, fireworks, gunshots, all can be frightening to animals. Keep your pets indoors or consult your veterinarian for options. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification should they become lost.

Remember to celebrate safely and smartly. Enjoy the New Year celebration!

Merry Christmas to All!

2009-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009 is upon us. The APOA wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Take a moment and remember all your public safety personnel working today!

Saturday is Opening Day at Santa Anita

2009-12-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 26th, is the day after Christmas and the traditional Opening Day at Santa Anita Race Track. The streets of Arcadia will be crowded with race fans and shoppers throughout the day on Saturday. The gates at Santa Anita open at 9:30 AM and the first post is at 11:30 AM. Below are a few tips to help avoid the rush on Saturday;

Avoid traveling on Huntington Drive or Baldwin Avenue between 10:00 AM -12:00 PM and later in the day between 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM due to race traffic.
Colorado Place will be closed to southbound traffic at Colorado Street between 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
Off ramps on the IS 210 freeway at Huntington Drive, Santa Anita Avenue, and Baldwin Avenue will be congested all day on Saturday. Consider using Michillinda Avenue and Myrtle.
Baldwin Avenue will have heavy traffic all day long in the area of the Westfield Shoppingtown. Unless traveling to the mall or track, avoid this area.
Alternate routes for travel through Arcadia may include Foothill Boulevard, Duarte Road, Camino Real, or Longden Avenues, and Santa Anita Avenue, Michillinda Avenue, Holly Avenue, or Second Avenue.
Leave early and allow extra time for travel on Saturday. It will be a busy day in town and traffic will be frustrating. Stay calm and share the road. Get to your destination safely.

Tuesday Tip - Thieves Shop Mall Parking Lots

2009-12-22T04:34:00.000-08:00

Vehicle burglaries are reported to local police throughout the year. However, during the holiday season, mall parking lots and parking structures are packed with vehicles that are sometimes stuffed with presents and packages. Just like presents under your family Christmas tree being an invite for a child's curiosity, your car filled with packages is an invitation for theft and auto burglary. Here are some tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim this holiday season;

Park in well lighted areas.
Lock your vehicle and set your alarm.
If you must leave packages in your car, keep them out of sight. Some stores and malls offer to maintain your packages while you shop. Pick them up when you are all done.
Do NOT make multiple trips to your vehicle. Thieves watch and wait in parking lots targeting persons leaving items in their cars.
Be aware of your surroundings! Look about and see who is around when you park.

These are just a few suggestions. Take a look at a previous post on preventing auto burglary HERE for additional information.

2009 Arcadia Police Officer and Civilian Employee of the Year Awards

2009-12-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

Detective Dan Crowther was named Arcadia Police Officer of the Year for 2009. The award was presented to Dan last night at the annual Arcadia Police Officers' Association Christmas party. (Pictured above are Chief Bob Sanderson, APOA President Troy Hernandez, APOA Vice President Mike Hale, Detective Dan Crowther, and Dan's wife, Janna Crowther)

Dan was honored earlier this year, receiving the Police Reserve Coordinator of the Year 2009 from the California Reserve Police Officers' Association as well.

Also honored at the party was APD Civilian of the Year 2009, our Evidence/Lab Technician, Emily Burkardt. Emily has only been with the Department for a year but has taken our evidence section and crime scene processing capabilities to a much higher level. (Pictured below is Chief Bob Sanderson and Lab Tech Emily Burkardt) Congratulations to both Dan and Emily! We are proud of your accomplishments and you both deserve your honors.

APOA Launches New Website

2009-12-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

Take a look at the newly remodeled website for the Arcadia Police Officers' Association. Detective Mike Hale has worked hard on updating the website which is user friendly and has a sleek modern look. The site was launched today and can be accessed HERE.

Attempted Robbery

2009-12-18T07:41:00.001-08:00

After leaving a business at First and Foothill, a male victim was confronted by a lone suspect demanding money. The suspect grabbed at the victim who fought back. After a brief struggle, the suspect pulled out what the victim described as a large kitchen knife, waving it at the victim. The suspect then abandoned his efforts and ran off with no loss.

The suspect was described as a male, African American, 30-40 years, 6'0, thin build, wearing dark clothing, transient in appearance. Although reported yesterday, the incident occurred Wednesday evening at about 7:30 PM.

Hours for Ovenight Parking Enforcement Change in 2010

2009-12-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

The City of Arcadia is modifying the hours for enforcement of overnight parking regulations. Effective January 15, 2010, the new hours for enforcement will be from 2:30 AM through 5:30 AM. Any vehicle parked on a City street is required to display a parking permit during these hours or be subject to a parking citation.

Annual parking permits are available for purchase from the Cashier's Office at City Hall. You can download the application HERE. Temporary permits may be purchased in the lobby of APD and will soon be available on-line.

Remember that there is a suspension of enforcement for overnight parking for the holidays, from December 18, 2009 through January 8, 2010. No permit is required during this period. Enforcement of all other parking regulations remains in effect.

Robbery on West Duarte

2009-12-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

At about 6:15 PM, a female victim was walking to her apartment in the 1100 block of West Duarte Road when she was accosted by two male suspects. The suspects grabbed the victim from behind and pulled her to the ground, stealing her purse. The victim suffered minor injury in the incident which occurred in the apartment courtyard. The suspects were described as males, wearing dark clothing, about 20-25 years old.

Tuesday Tip - "Flow of Traffic" and Speeding

2009-12-15T04:13:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of websites devoted to fighting speeding tickets. Many of these sites advise you not to exclaim that you were just going with the "flow of traffic" when you appear in court. This is great advice! Why? First of all, if you tell the judge that you were simply going with the flow of traffic, you may be admitting to speeding. But more importantly, the "flow of traffic" has no bearing under most circumstances.

The State of California defines speed laws in CVC sections 22348-22352. In a nutshell, the State sets prima facie speed limits at 25 mph for school and senior zones, along with residential and business zones. The speed limit for alleys, uncontrolled railroad grade crossings and certain intersections at 15 mph. These speed limits are defined and not open to interpretation under the basic speed law. The only exception is if the roadway has been legally posted otherwise. So, if you are driving through a posted school zone with children present (25 mph), you may be cited for speed if you were travelling faster than the posted limit. Yes, even if you are in a group of vehicles and just going with "the flow." This is a common misconception, especially near schools when the 25 mph zones are being enforced.

Like the prima facie speed limits, the State also sets maximum speed at 65 mph unless legally posted otherwise. This applies primarily to our freeways. The speed limit is set and any driver travelling faster may be cited for speeding. Yes, again, even if everyone else is driving faster. If you feel that by driving the speed limit you are impeding the flow, then move to the right and stay in the slower lanes. Traffic does "flow" too fast. It is up to everyone to reduce highway speeds.

Local jurisdictions do indeed have the right to set local speed limits. Violations of posted limits in these areas fall under the basic speed law in California. A violation of a posted limit is written when the driver is travelling at an "unsafe speed" for conditions. It is up to the issuing Officer to determine and later prove to the court if the citation is contested, the safe speed for the roadway. Speed limits are set based on many factors; roadway conditions, type of area, cross traffic, visibility, number of lanes, just to name a few. If an Officer is conducting speed enforcement, they will also use other factors such as time of day, weather, amount of traffic, and more, when they determine at what speed a violation has occurred. And yes, even though the basic speed law is a bit more flexible, the "flow" of traffic is not a blanket excuse to drive fast.

Speed laws are set to protect all drivers and keep our roadways safe. Please be cognizant of your speed and drive within posted limits.

Happy Hanukkah!

2009-12-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Today begins the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, also referred to as the Festival of Lights. The APOA wishes you a Happy Hanukkah!

Activity Sampling from this Last Week

2009-12-09T18:04:00.000-08:00

Theft Leads to Robbery
Shortly before 5:00 PM, a male suspect was confronted for stealing merchandise from the Rite-Aid at Las Tunas Drive and El Monte Avenue. When the employee attempted to stop the suspect, the suspect threatened to shoot the employee and then fled in a vehicle. No weapon was seen.

Explosion Damages Vehicle at Mall
Officers responded to a report of an explosion early Sunday morning at the Westfield Shoppingtown, located at 400 South Baldwin Avenue. Shortly before 1:00 AM, a security guard heard a loud explosion in a parking structure at the mall and notified APD. Officers arrived to find remnants of what possibly appeared to be a simulator hand grenade that had been tossed in the parking lot. A nearby vehicle sustained minor damage in the incident. No persons were in the area on arrival and there is no suspect information.

Residential Burglary - Hot Prowl
A home in the 1100 block of South Eighth Avenue was the scene of a burglary at about 4:15 PM on Monday. A resident was home at the time and confronted the lone suspect inside the location. The suspect fled with an amount of cash and other belongings. The suspect was described as a male, possibly Hispanic, 30-40 years, dark hair, missing two front teeth, and wearing dark clothing.

Armed Street Robbery
A group of teens were walking in the area of Santa Anita Avenue and Campus Drive at about 6:40 PM Monday evening when they were confronted by a male demanding to use a cell phone. One of the teens pulled out a phone and the suspect grabbed it. The suspect then displayed a weapon tucked in his waistband and demanded cash. The victims ran off and APD was called. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 20 years, 5-07, medium build, mustache, wearing a dark hoodie.

Tuesday Tip - Inviting Theft from YOUR Doorstep

2009-12-08T04:29:00.000-08:00

Take a look at last years post on package theft HERE. It is that time of year again and gifts of all sizes and sorts are arriving on your porches. Take action to help prevent your doorstep from becoming the scene of a crime!

Tuesday Tip - Awareness and Avoidance

2009-12-01T04:32:00.000-08:00

With two resdiential robberies having occurred in Arcadia in the last week, you may be thinking about how to do your best not to allow this to happen to you or your family. One of the best strategies is prevention. Be aware of your surroundings. Who is walking near you? What vehicles are parked nearby? Look around!

Approaching your home, be aware of pedestrians and vehicles. Are there persons you don't know or vehicles that you don't recognize? If so, record their descriptions and drive on. Don't just pull in and park.
"Follow home" robbery victims are targeted long before they arrive home. Be mindful of cash and large purchases while shopping. Watch for vehicles following you and making repeated turns behind you. If you feel you are being followed, drive to a busy, open location or the local police station. Keep your doors locked and call the police.
While home, don't just open the door to a knock or bell! Ask who is at the door. If you have not scheduled an appointment, verify a service worker with a phone call before opening the door. Look for a legitimate uniform and service/delivery vehicle.
Keep your home secure. Lock your doors and windows!
Maintain your exterior lighting.
When you leave your home, look around. Don't just walk away or drive off. Again, if you seen anyone or anything suspicious, call the police.
See our previous post on "Being Safe at Home" for additional tips.

There is no perfect answer to crime prevention. However, your best defense is a proactive offense and being aware of what is happening around you at all times. Awareness and avoidance will certainly aide in your personal and family safety.

Four Officers Murdered in Lakewood, WA

2009-11-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

The APOA wishes to send their condolences to the members of the Lakewood Police Department in Washington. Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Ronald Owens, Officer Tina Griswold, and Officer Greg Richards were killed on Sunday, November 29, 2009 by a gunman in a Lakewood coffee shop. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the slain Officers and to all members of the LPD family.

Donations can be made to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild via their website HERE. Additional information on this tragedy and the lives of the Officers can be found on both the Lakewood Police Department website and the Guild website.

Arcadia family bound in home invasion robbery - SGVTribune.com

2009-11-30T06:37:00.000-08:00

Arcadia family bound in home invasion robbery - SGVTribune.com

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Best wishes to all on this Thanksgiving Day!

Tuesday Tip - Tis the Season...Don't Become a Victim!

2009-11-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

With "Black Friday" upon us, tis the season for thieves to be looking for an easy target. Shoppers everywhere will be crowding stores and check-out counters in search of grabbing bargains and deals. But just as you may be shopping for a gift, the bad guys (and gals) may be shopping for your wallet, credit & debit cards, car keys, or your recently purchased treasures. What can you do to help protect yourself?

Start by shopping smart. Always be aware of your surroundings and who is near you. Don't become so engrossed in your shopping or check-out that you fail to see the person sliding up next to you or your cart. Never leave your purse or purchased items unattended in a cart, on a counter, or at a table...not even for "just a minute." Thieves will look for easy targets and persons who may be inattentive to their belongings. That open purse or wallet next to you while you are making your purchase is an invitation for theft.

Be mindful of your personal space. If you are "bumped" on the side or someone just happens to slide up close to you, check your wallet or purse and make sure that you have not become the target of a thief.

Watch your cards! Credit, debit, charge cards are easily "skimmed" by use of portable devices meant to quickly capture your card information. Your information can be later transferred to a magnetic strip on a different card and used for theft. The employee should be sliding your card right in front of you. If there is a need to move to a different register, go with them.

Keep an eye on your accounts. Check your balances and statements often. Watch for any unauthorized activity and report it immediately if discovered.

Don't leave valuable items in your vehicle. Do your best not to use your car as a storage compartment. Thieves will target persons who load up their vehicle and then walk away. Keep any items out of plain sight.

Tis the season for celebrations, not for becoming the unfortunate victim of theft. Do what you can to help prevent a crime before it happens! Don't become a victim!

Annual Festival of Bands - Road Closures

2009-11-19T00:49:00.000-08:00

The City of Arcadia is hosting the 56th Annual Festival of Bands Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Forty high school bands will compete in this prestigious event. There will be a number of street closures associated with the event that may affect vehicular travel. The parade will take place on Baldwin Avenue and Duarte Road in Arcadia on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Street closures will be as follows:

 Baldwin Avenue between Huntington Drive and Naomi Avenue – CLOSED for vehicular traffic from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

 Duarte Road between Golden West and El Monte Avenue – CLOSED of vehicular traffic from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

 Campus Drive between Santa Anita Avenue and Holly Avenue – CLOSED from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Residents living south of Huntington Drive, north of Duarte Road, east of Baldwin Ave, and west of Holly Ave are encouraged to use the intersection of La Cadena and Huntington Drive as the primary entrance and exit from the area. Other residents will be allowed into the surrounding areas with proof of residency.

Protect+Yourself+from+Office+Theft

2009-11-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

Protect+Yourself+from+Office+Theft

Weekend Indecent Exposure

2009-11-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

A teenage female was approaching her residence on foot Saturday morning when she noticed the shadow of a person behind her. The victim felt someone touch her and looked to see a male exposing himself. The suspect then ran off and fled in a vehicle. The incident occurred shortly before noon in the 100 block of W. Arthur. The suspect was described as a male white, 20-25 years, wearing a beige sweatshirt. The suspect vehicle was a white SUV.

You should always be alert to your surroundings. Look around and be aware of who and what is near you. We get comfortable in areas that we are familiar with, like your home and business. Take a look when you pull into your driveway or park your car. If you notice someone suspicious, call your local police and be prepared to drive off if necessary. Always be alert to your environment!

Tuesday Tip - Stay Informed!

2009-11-17T04:31:00.000-08:00

A recent article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune relates the story of how a couple’s involvement led to the arrest of several burglary suspects. Quite often, residents will ask what they can do to help prevent crime in their neighborhood and what they can to do help the police. You don’t necessarily need to become physically involved to be a great asset to Law Enforcement and you neighborhood in combating crime. The news article gives an excellent example of being a great witness. The man took photos of the suspects and their vehicle while his wife called the police. These photos may become evidence used later in court should the suspects choose to fight their charges. Sometimes the best asset is being a great witness and alerting police to things that don’t appear right, in addition to the obvious crime in progress.

A proactive step that you can take is to empower yourself with a little bit of local knowledge. Use community wire and crime mapping services such as Nixle, CrimeReports.com, or CrimeMapping.com.

Nixle is provided free to anyone who wishes to subscribe to email and text alerts/messages to their computers or cellular phones, from their local cities and police or sheriff agencies. These messages will range from community bulletins, traffic advisories, to alerts that may discuss emergency notification, missing persons, crime information, and more. You can subscribe to more than one address or area. Monitor information that pertains to your home, your work, or any other jurisdiction that you have an interest in.

Up to date crime information is also important and can give you insight into criminal activity in your neighborhood. Knowing that there has been a rash of residential burglaries, auto thefts, or other criminal activity in your area may assist you in being more vigilant in crime prevention and taking steps to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. Services such as CrimeReports.com and CrimeMapping.com are used by many police and sheriff departments to provide crime information to their communities. Some of these services even offer daily or weekly alerts to criminal activity via email. As an example, the City of Duarte, patrolled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, participates in crime mapping and a screen shot example is pictured above.

Not all cities and counties make these types of services available, but the trend is growing. Check your local city website or visit the sites mentioned and see if your area is covered. Contact your local police, fire, or city personnel and express your desire to participate if they already don’t offer these services. Arcadia is currently exploring the possible use of such services. Empower yourself with a little knowledge and take an active role in helping to prevent crime in your neighborhood! Stay informed!

"A Look Back" - Bicycle Safety

2009-11-12T13:08:00.001-08:00

A look back to when the kids still road bikes to school...a bicycle safety inspection is conducted by a member of APD. Bike rodeos were a common event years ago. Officers would conduct inspections, licensing and provide basic bicycle safety instruction during the rodeo. Our personnel wore tan uniforms through early 1987.

Veterans Day 2009

2009-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Wishing all Veterans the best on this Veterans Day, November 11, 2009. Thank you for your service to us all! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of our service members currently on active duty throughout the world.

Unattended Keys = Auto Burglary & Theft

2009-11-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

The victim of an auto burglary reported that on Saturday, November 7th, he parked and locked his vehicle near First Avenue Middle School at about 4:45 PM. The victim went to the basketball courts and left his keys unattended near the court, while playing ball. At some point during the pick-up game, his keys were taken. The suspect(s) gained entry to the locked vehicle, took the victim's wallet, cash and golf clubs. The suspect(s) then made their way to the mall and used the victim's credit card to make fraudulent purchases.

Don't give thieves the opportunity. Don't become a victim. Keep the door key or alarm fob in your pocket. Do not leave your property unattended.

Tuesday Tip - Prevent Teen "Sexting"

2009-11-10T04:35:00.000-08:00

What is "sexting?" In a nutshell, it the exchange of sexually explicit messages or photos between persons by use of cell phones, email or other electronic devices. Law Enforcement is becoming more aware of these incidents and in some instances, persons are being prosecuted for child pornography laws. The LA Times ran an opinion article earlier this year that discusses varying approaches to prosecution. Bottom line is that parents need to make themselves more involved in educating their teens. Below are a couple of websites that offer tips to both parents and teens alike, on education, awareness and prevention of sexting:

Think before you hit "send." There is no real delete in cyberspace!

"Hands On" Social Media Demo

2009-11-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

Several vendors set-up shop in one of our Department training rooms last week, peddling the newest models of body armor, Airsoft weapons, and assorted tactical gear. Live demonstrations followed in the range and the hands-on experience was well worth the time invested to attend. I have learned over the years that those of us in Law Enforcement like to see and touch new products and technology. You only need to look at the attendance numbers that regional trade show events like CopsWest and Trexpo produce to see that our profession is in love with the latest and greatest when it comes to tools of the trade.

Up to date equipment, use of modern technology, continual training and development of personnel, and constant evaluation of policy and procedure are a few examples of positive attributes of a progressive and quality Law Enforcement agency. But in the society and culture that surround us today, that is not enough. It is said that change is slow and difficult. The days of strict “paramilitary” police work have past. Society has asked Law Enforcement to evolve into a business that includes community partnerships, transparency, and accountability, while at the same time, upholding the law and “fighting” crime. We have not been asked to step away from our role as Law Enforcement officers, but rather to improve the way we do business. Answering these challenges and changes for Law Enforcement is not necessarily something found in a booth at the next trade show, but rather a change in philosophy and simply modifying the “way“ that we do business.

Law Enforcement managers should look to their own personnel for one easy answer to help in this “change.” At a recent #140 Character (Twitter) conference, Chief John Stacey of the Bellevue Police Department in Nebraska discussed BPD’s use of social media. Chief Stacey described how a young officer “lit up” during a recent briefing where the Chief mentioned that he would be out of town for a Twitter conference. The young officer was surprised that the Chief knew what Twitter was all about. That officer and the Chief had never really engaged in conversation before that moment but because of that common ground have developed a new and improved rapport. This small example serves as both a tool for internal personnel development and investment in an agency, but moreover breaches the tip of a much greater tool for reaching out to your community.

Chief Stacey is among a growing group of Law Enforcement administrators that have embraced the use of social media as a tool to engage, communicate, and interact with the folks that their police agencies serve. The Los Angeles Police Department, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Whittier Police Department in California, each host a blog, and actively interact with their communities. Some police agencies, like Bellevue, have taken the use of social media further. Bellevue PD, like the Lakeland Police Department in Florida, has both a Twitter and a Facebook page. BPD even encourages their individual police officers to send “tweets” about activity while at work. The Oxnard Police Department in California has asked a lead officer from each beat or sector within the City to send out Twitter updates specific to their service area. OPD also produces web video providing crime info, press release information, and other information to promote their agency.

YouTube is also being used by Law Enforcement to deliver assorted messages and embedded video. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in Nevada and the Milwaukee Police Department in Wisconsin are two agencies utilizing YouTube. Media releases, crime prevention tips, suspect wanted bulletins, missing persons, are all examples of potential use of video releases from a police agency.

The Boca Raton Police Department in Florida and Chief Dan Alexander have taken the concept of mixing social media and Law Enforcement even further. BRPD has a project called VIPER that packages the best of their use of social media use in a one stop shop. VIPER allows the Boca Raton community to interact with BRPD by use of video, Twitter, Facebook, crime mapping, news, email alerts, and more. BRPD provides text messages and email information through a service known as Nixle. Nixle is available at many agencies and local government agencies across the country.

Social media experts and consultants are a great resource for researching and implementing a social media plan for your Law Enforcement agency. Christa Miller of Cops2Point0.com has been and continues to be an excellent source for me and others in our field. Lauri Stevens from LAwS Communications and ConnectedCOPS.net is passionate about assisting Law Enforcement in their social media strategies. Lauri moderated the panel discussion with Police Chiefs Stacey, Alexander, and Assistant Chief Whitney at the #140 Character Conference in Los Angeles. Other sites such as DailySplice.com, CrimeReports.com, and MichaelVallez.com provide excellent information and insight into the topic.

Think about your own personnel, your family, and friends. How many of them are carrying a web enabled phone with them everywhere they go? Technology has put cameras, news reporting, and instant delivery of information in the hands of virtually every person on the street. Take advantage of this wave and go “hands on” with social media. Explore the benefits and learn about the positive impact your agency can have by interacting, listening, and being involved with your community by using social media as a tool for Law Enforcement.

Tuesday Tip - Protecting Your Laptop

2009-11-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

Who does not own a laptop computer? Students, professionals, the "tweeting" mom, just about everyone these days is using a portable computer to communicate and manage their lives. We take them with us and many times, unfortunately, persons are victimized by thieves stealing the laptop. Laptops are stolen from vehicles, dorm rooms, tables in a coffee shop, a hotel lobby, you name it. What can you do to help recover your property? There are companies that offer tracking services to assist in the recovery of stolen computers.

A recent case was cleared by APD in cooperation with a company named Computrace, aka Lojack for Laptops. The laptop was covertly monitored after being reported stolen and information was gathered that led to the person currently in possession of the computer. In this case, no one was prosecuted, but the property was recovered. The PI Newswire, a blog dedicated to those in the investigations field, ran a post titled "Spying on a stolen laptop" which details the recovery of a laptop by use of a product from InertLogic using similar technology.

The best defense is obviously prevention. Don't give thieves the opportunity to take your property. However, this type of product is like an insurance policy and could help law enforcement recover your property. Take a look and review different products to see if this style technology is of benefit to you.

San Gabriel police to post crime data online - Pasadena Star-News

2009-11-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

San Gabriel police to post crime data online - Pasadena Star-News

Happy Halloween 2009!

2009-10-31T10:56:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Halloween safely! Watch out for all the ghosts and goblins roaming our streets tonight. As always, Don't Drink and Drive!

Happy Halloween 2009!

Wanted for Commercial Burglary

2009-10-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

During late August and September, two commercial burglaries occurred, both to businesses in the 300 block of South First Avenue. Entry was gained by smashing windows and in both cases, large plasma televisions were taken. The two suspects pictured are both male Hispanics. The photo above shows one suspect looking directly into the surveillance camera. A possible suspect vehicle associated with the crime is described as a Nissan Maxima, dark in color. Anyone who recognizes either of these suspects is asked to call APD Detectives at (626) 574-5160.

Winds Lead to a Busy Night

2009-10-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

The winds last evening lead to an increased call load throughout the City. Power lines down and power outages throughout the area, audible alarms and blacked out intersections kept units busy. No injuries were reported due to the winds, however, units did respond on downed trees or limbs on both a vehicle and a house at different locations. Damage was minor in both incidents.

MADD Launches New Campaign

2009-10-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

MADD has launched a new campaign called, The Power of Parents. Visit the website and take a look! Help prevent teen drunk driving and underage drinking. Remember, "It's Your Influence."

Receiving Stolen Property Arrest

2009-10-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Last night around 10:00 PM, Arcadia Officers were called to the 00 blk. of Alta Street on report of a suspect possibly burglarizing vehicles. Responding Officers found a person matching the suspect description walking in the area. He was ultimately detained and found to have stereo face plates taken in a local auto burglary. An 18 year old Arcadia man was arrested and booked at APD. Any additional burglary victims are asked to call APD at (626) 574-5151.

Tuesday Tip - Halloween Safety

2009-10-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

The safety of our children is on our minds each and every day. The celebrations and traditions that go along with Halloween add to the importance of monitoring our children's activity and giving them the guidance to help keep them safe. Here are a couple of websites that offer good tips on Halloween safety:

There are also options to traditional "trick or treating" that allow your children to celebrate in a controlled and safe environment. The Arcadia Public Library is offering a trick or treat in the library on Wednesday, October 28th from 4:00-6:30 PM and the City is offering their 6th annual Halloween event at the Community Center on Friday, October 30th from 4:30-6:30 PM. See the City of Arcadia website for details.

Short Pursuit Leads to Arrest

2009-10-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

A 23 year old Temple City man led Arcadia Officers on a short pursuit Monday night at about 10:00 PM, crashing his Toyota pick-up into the curb and a fire hydrant at Live Oak and Bradford. The suspect had been driving recklessly in the area of Baldwin and Workman prior to the pursuit and was taken into custody at the collision scene.

Tuesday Tip - Earthquake Safety

2009-10-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Law Enforcement along with all emergency service personnel respond when an earthquake strikes. The better prepared every family and individual is, the better off we will all be in the event of a catastrophic quake. Emergency services are prioritized in the event of a disaster and you may not receive the immediate response from police, fire, medics, public works or any other service that would normally occur on a daily basis. FEMA has a website dedicated to earthquake preparedness and includes topics of what to do BEFORE, during and after an earthquake. Other websites have earthquake and disaster preparedness lists and are a great resource for preplanning. The American Red Cross has ready made kits available as well. Take the time to research the topic. Discuss options with your family and be ready in the event of a significant earthquake in our area.

Farewell to Sergeant Ray Casey

2009-10-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

Retired APD Sergeant Ray Casey lost his battle to cancer last week, passing away on October 8th. Ray, who was 77 years old, served the City of Arcadia for 28 years, retiring in May of 1989. Ray was described by many of us as a great leader and supervisor, a great friend, and simply put, "A Cops Cop." A memorial service was held for Ray earlier today at Annunciation Catholic Church. Ray will always be remembered at APD. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Bears Destroyed

2009-10-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Over the course of the last few months, Officers were alerted to the continual presence of two adult black bears that were frequenting neighborhoods near Hillgreen Place, Highland Oaks Drive and Canyon. The bears appeared to be "nesting" to the rear of one home and had become a dangerous nuisance to residents. Attempts were made using conventional means to remove the bears from the area. Through communication with the Department of Fish and Game, the decision was made to destroy the animals. On two separate occasions during the week of October 5th, Arcadia Officers were alerted to the presence of the bears and did destroy both animals. The carcass of each bear was removed by Fish and Game officials.

Morning Residential Hot Prowl Burglary

2009-10-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday morning, October 14th, a resident in the 1100 block of Singingwood was awakened to see a male suspect rummaging through property in his bedroom. The suspect fled out the front door with a loss of some cash and credit cards. The incident occurred shortly after 7:00 AM and it appears that the suspect possibly gained entry through a kitchen window.

Drop, Cover and Hold On!

2009-10-14T15:05:00.001-07:00

The Great California Shake Out will take place tomorrow, 10/15/09, at 10:15 AM. Take a look at the website for information on the internationally recognized, "Drop, Cover and Hold On!"

Strong Arm Parking Lot Robbery

2009-10-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

A female shopper was knocked to the ground and her purse was stolen while walking in the parking lot of the President's Square shopping center at about 5:20 PM Sunday. The female was walking in the lot when the lone suspect ran up to her and tried to grab her purse. The victim resisted and was knocked to the ground. The suspect then pulled the victim's purse from her arm and ran to an awaiting vehicle. The suspect vehicle was described as an older model Honda, gray in color. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 20-30 years old, short dark hair, wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to call APD Detectives at (626) 574-5160.

Two Men Robbed at Gunpoint

2009-10-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

Early Sunday morning at about 7:50 AM, two men were seated in their vehicle outside their employer in the 5600 block Peck Road when they were confronted by a lone suspect brandishing a handgun. The suspect pointed the weapon at the victims demanding their wallets and cash. The victims complied and the suspect fled in a older model gray sedan, possibly a BMW. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 20-25 years with a shaved head, last seen driving south on Peck Road.

Motor Officer Injured

2009-10-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Shortly after 7:00 AM yesterday, an on-duty Arcadia Motor Officer was injured when he was involved in a collision with a vehicle at the intersection of Huntington Drive and Second Avenue. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured, however, the Officer was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

The members of the APOA wish the best and a speedy recovery to our Officer.