Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Members of the Arcadia Police Department ran in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics today, taking the handoff from Monrovia PD at Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue. The run is an annual event that raises money and awareness for Special Olympics. Visit the Special Olympics website for additional information and ways to help this worthy cause. APD runners included (left to right) Sergeant Lachenmyer, Detective Crowther, Officer Ferrari, Sergeant Ortiz, Lieutenant Foley, Officers Lopez, Juarez, Howell, Trabbie, St. Pierre, and Agcaoili. Our APD runners proudly carried the torch from the Monrovia border to Las Tunas Drive and Baldwin Avenue where they handed the torch off to LASD, Temple Station Deputies.

APOA Assists with Budget Shortfall

The City of Arcadia has undergone several budget reviews and revisions over the course of the last year. Even with slashing budget items citywide and freezing multiple positions, including 8 Police Officer positions, there remained an approximate $600,000 budget shortfall. City Manager Don Penman approached employee groups and asked for assistance in helping to bridge the gap in the budget.

The APOA held a membership meeting two weeks ago and discussed options available that would assist in the budget shortfall. As Robert Hong notes in his article in the Pasadena Star News, the APOA voted nearly unanimously to defer a portion of each members pay and benefits this fiscal year to assist the City. Our membership, which includes all Police Officers, a Police Agent and all Police Sergeants, will each contribute in excess of $1,000 this fiscal year. Other City Employee groups and Managers followed suit over the last couple of weeks and have also made concessions. This includes the City Manager and APD Management as well.

The tough economic times have impacted everyone. Our membership is not immune. Lay-offs and cut-backs away from the City have hit some of our members and their families. The APOA is committed to working with the City and hopefully in the upcoming years frozen positions, cut backs, and layoffs will once again be on the back burner.

Residential Burglaries Continue

Four residential burglaries and an attempted burg were reported yesterday to APD. The burglaries occurred in the 600 blk. Cortez Road, 1800 blk. S. Second Avenue, 200 blk . E. Norman Avenue, and the 2800 blk. S. Baldwin Avenue. The attempt burglary occurred in the 00 blk. of E. Longden Avenue. These incidents were reported to have happened during daytime hours.

Residential burglary is a topic that we have discussed in several past posts including a press release from APD earlier this year. Recent arrests have been directly the result of citizen informants witnessing suspicious activity in their neighborhood. Please do not hesitate to call the police should you see suspicious persons, activity or vehicles in the area.

Unlawful Use of Tear Gas

On Monday afternoon about 2:00PM, an 18 year old resident of Arcadia was exiting his car in the 400 block of East Live Oak Avenue when he was confronted by a male Asian. The male Asian yelled a "gang" name and challenged the victim to fight. The suspect then sprayed the victim in the face with "pepper spray". Two other males approached and struck the victim's vehicle vandalizing the car. All three suspects then fled in a beige sedan before APD arrived. The suspects were described as male Asians, 18-22 years old.

Measure A Passes

Arcadia's Best is reporting that Measure A was voted in yesterday with an approximate 77% approval. There is a link on their post to the City website with unofficial results of the vote. Thanks to the community for their support of this important measure which will help ensure quality City services!

ADW with a Baton

A road rage incident Friday afternoon turned into an assault with a deadly weapon arrest. At about 4:43 PM, two male drivers became involved in a physical confrontation at Santa Anita Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, after stopping in a north bound lane of traffic. One driver, a 19 year old from Arcadia, struck the other driver, a 20 year old male from El Monte, in the head and arm with a collapsible baton. A witness waiting in line at the nearby In & Out intervened and grabbed the baton away from the suspect until APD arrived. The victim was treated at the scene for his injuries and the suspect was arrested.

Hot Prowl Residential Burglary

Shortly after 11:00 AM on Friday, June 5th, a resident in the 200 block of East Haven saw a male walk across his front lawn and knock on the door. The resident ignored the knock and went about his business. Moments later, the resident heard footsteps inside the home and opened an interior door to see the suspect in a hallway. The suspect immediately fled out the front door. Officers were unable to locate the suspect who was described as a male Hispanic in his 20’s wearing dark clothing. The suspect had removed a screen from a front window that was partially open and entered through the open window. There was no loss.

This incident serves as a good reminder to stay alert when home and windows or doors are left open. Burglary suspects may knock on a door in an attempt to see if anyone is home. Don’t automatically open your door. Do ask who is there and ask what there business is if you don’t recognize them. Keep a phone near by in the event you need to dial 9-1-1.