Touching Base: A Message from the Chief
December 23, 2012
Dear
Community Members and Department Personnel:
Merry
Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!
For
your Information:
Touching
Base is a snap shot of activity involving the Pasadena Police Department.
Incidents appearing in the document are randomly selected (from several
sources) and only provide an overview. Community members interested in
more specific information are encouraged to visit Crime Mapping (www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/pasadena)
and the Calls for Service Logs (CFSL) (www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/police/callsforservice.aspx)
available on the police department’s website. Also, community members can sign
up to receive email
or text message advisories from the Pasadena Police Department at: www.nixle.com. Touching
Base will not be published over the Christmas Holiday. The newsletter
will resume in January 2013.
Save
the Date:
On
December 27 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.,
The Pasadena Police Activities League (PAL) is hosting a Sneak Peek Preview of
the 2013 Rose Parade floats before they head down Colorado Boulevard. The
preview will be held at Phoenix Decorating Company, 835 South Raymond Avenue.
Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for kids (under 15). Food/drinks will be
available. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Jill
Hawkins at jill@mhpevents.com, or (626) 791-1225.
Our
Community:
On
December 11, Commanders
John Perez and Lisa Rosales, Lieutenant Thomas Delgado,
Sergeant Rudy Lemos, and Officers Brad May and Edgar Sanchez
participated in the 2012 NLPOA Santa Cop Toy Give-Away at the City of
Hope. John, Lisa, Tom, Rudy, Brad, and Edgar helped NLPOA North Los
Angeles Chapter President, Oscar Mejia deliver toys to young children
stricken with severe illnesses at the City of Hope Hospital. I talked
with John who told me the experience was profound.
On
December 15, I
attended the funeral services for Fran Neumann. Fran was the
founder of Day One and very involved in the Pasadena Police Department’s
Volunteer Corp. She was credited with helping to create the Youth
Accountability Board (YAB), which remains a contemporary youth diversion
program. Fran was a Master Gardner and a friend to all. The
personal testimonials were tender and informative. The funeral services were
very well attended. I talked with Pasadena City Councilman Victor
Gordo and former California Attorney General John Van De Camp at the
services. Retired Pasadena Police Lieutenant Phlunte Riddle and Retired
Police Officer Donna Cayson were also at the services.
On
December 15, I
participated in the Madison Neighborhood / Avalon Community Posada. The
walk to Madison Elementary School started in the 400 block of Orange Grove
Boulevard and grew in numbers by the time we reached the school. Mayor Bill
Bogaard, Councilman Victor Gordo and I spoke briefly at the
beginning of the program. Traditional food, costumes, and entertainment
were the order of the evening. Brian Biery (Flintridge Center) was on
hand to snap a few photos of the activities.
On
December 15,
Commander John Perez attended the Muslim
Public Affairs Council’s (MPAC) 12th annual national convention,
held at the Pasadena Convention Center, to discuss the priorities,
accomplishments, and future of the American Muslim community. The event
was attended by 700 guests to include U.S. Congress Representatives Judy Chu
(D-CA) & Michael Honda (D-CA), along with Los Angeles County Sheriff
Leroy Baca, Zero to Three Director Tahra Goraya, and other
dignitaries including representatives from Pakistan, Turkey, and
Malaysia. The event was the culmination of a series of workshops during
the day hosted by All Saints Church and facilitated by Reverend Ed
Bacon. Rep. Judy Chu presented the community leadership award to Riffat
Masood, Pakistan Consul General, for her tremendous efforts around the
world. Keynote speakers included Rep. Michael Honda and NFL athletes and
Pomona raised brothers, Hamza and Husain Abdullah, who made the decision
to bypass the 2012 NFL season and perform Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca). The
Pasadena Police Department is extremely grateful to have received a personal invitation
from MPAC Executive Director, Salam
Al-Marayati, to attend this outstanding
community event. For more information on how you can support MPAC, please
visit their website at http://www.mpac.org/convention.php and learn more.
On December 17, several Pasadena Police employees assembled in the lobby of the
police building to welcome the Pasadena Armenian Police Advisory Council
(PAPAC), as they prepared for their annual toy drive. Pasadena High School
students sang Christmas carols as new toys were prepared for delivery to
community organizations and families throughout Pasadena. PAPAC Board
Members Hovannes Sarkissian and Harry Kouladjian, Pasadena Police
Sergeant Vasken Gourdikian, and Police Corporal Ara Bzdigian
organized the event.
On December 17, several Pasadena Police employees attended a reception for
Assemblyman Chris Holden. The reception was held in the council
chambers and speakers highlighted Chris’s service as a Pasadena City Councilman.
Mayor Bill Bogaard and the Council all provide brief statements about
Chris’s service as a councilman. City Manager Michael Beck talked on
behalf of staff.
On December 19, Pasadena Police Sergeant Bobby Lomeli, Fire Chief Calvin
Wells, PFD PIO Lisa Derderian, and Officer Salvador Ramos met
with students from San Rafael Elementary School. Chief Wells talked about
the duties of a firefighter while Bobby discussed the life of a police officer.
I understand the meeting was very well attended and the students asked some
great follow up questions.
On
December 19,
Sergeant Rudy Lemos and Corporal Julie Finney coordinated a
Christmas Toy delivery for a young 9 year-old girl in our community. As I
understand it, Rudy and Julie collected funds from their coworkers and
purchased toys for the little girl. It was happenchance I found out about
their covert mission, in part because they did not advertise the effort.
Pasadena Police employees who contributed to purchase toys included: John
Perez, Bruce George, Kelly Evans, William Grisafe, Terysa Rojas, Marcia
Taglioretti, Chris Gutierrez, David Thomas, Brad May, Ricky Liu, Art Chute,
and Andrea Perez. What a special gift these outstanding employees
provided for a young Pasadena 9 year-old girl. Thank you!
On
December 22,
several Pasadena Police officers and employees gathered at the police
department to help deliver more than 100 Christmas Baskets to eager families
within the Pasadena and Altadena communities. The event was organized by
Pasadena Police Officer Anthony Riley. Santa Clause (PPD Volunteer John
Kendall), police employees, and representatives from the Pasadena Salvation
Army packed police cars with toys and gifts for local families. The
caravan of police cars left the police station at about 8:30 a.m. with Santa
Clause in the lead vehicle. I followed closely with my two sons, United
States Army Specialists, Phillip P. Sanchez, and Anthony Sanchez.
The following personnel helped deliver holiday baskets: Youth Advisors Frances
Diaz, Korey Green, Ester Justafort, Megan Mayorga, Efren
Bugarin, Osiris Negrete, and Justin Mota, Photographer Mirsa
Serano, Commanders Chris Russ and John Perez, Officers Anthony
Riley, Veronica Burris and her family, Sahak Nersesyan, Sal
Ramos and his son, Brian Bulaon, Steve Oberon, Louis
Luevano and his son, Scott Vandergrift and his family, Volunteer John
Kendal and his family (also volunteers), Corporal Glenn Thompson,
Sergeant Bobby Lomeli, Sergeant Marcia Taglioretti and her
family, Corporal Paul McKinney, Police Specialists Kailene Salvador,
Lieutenant Rodney Wallace, and Police Specialist Michelle White.
Pasadena’s
Finest:
After
more than 31 years of
service, Pasadena Police Jailor Glenn Gorospe is retiring. Glenn
was hired on June 1, 1981, and spent his entire career with the police
department as a jailor. During his time with the police department, Glenn
witnessed the transition from the old dark jail cells to the contemporary
facility we have today. Glenn said he is looking forward to not having to
wake up early and plans to spend a lot of his time enjoying a life of leisure
and photography.
On
May 15, 2011, a
residential burglary occurred in the 600 block of Summit Avenue. Physical
evidence was recovered at the scene, which lead to the identification of the
primary suspect. The case was assigned to Detective Dennis Beene,
who developed a wanted flyer and alerted other Pasadena Police officers. On
December 8, 2012, Pasadena Police Officer Anthony Riley was working a
foot beat detail in Old Pasadena and noticed the individual named in the wanted
flyer. Anthony detained the subject, confirmed he was wanted for
residential burglary, and arrested him without incident.
On
December 10, I
met with Pasadena Police Officer Jeremiah Weiker, who recently returned
to the department after his 2nd deployment to Afghanistan.
Jeremiah currently serves as a Captain in the United States Army and is on the
promotional list for Major. In his military life, Jeremiah is a combat
engineer. It was a pleasure to welcome him home.
On
December 10,
Pasadena Police Sergeants Marcia Taglioretti and Rudy Lemos
assisted with the Special City Council Meeting to address the 710 Freeway
Extensions. The council meeting was moved to the Pasadena Convention
Center to accommodate the [anticipated] large number of interested community
members. Marcia and Rudy developed a security plan to ensure the safety
of the policy makers and community members.
On December
11, several
Pasadena Police officers partnered with the National Latino Peace Officers
Association in their annual toy drive at the City of Hope. Police
officers from Inglewood, Downey, and the United States Marshals Office provided
Christmas gifts for children staying at the hospital during the holidays.
The children and their parents receiving gifts were very excited and thankful
for the visit. PPD officers included: Commanders John Perez
and Lisa Rosales, Lieutenant Tom Delgado, Sergeant Rudy Lemos,
and Officers Brad May and Edgar Sanchez. The city of Hope
is continually in need of donations in various ways. If you are
interested in supporting their humanitarian efforts, please visit their website
at www.cityofhope.org/giving/how0to-help/pages/default.aspx.
On
December 12,
students from the Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont visited the Pasadena
Police Department to learn about forensic science in policing. Administrator
Gena Persons and Forensics Specialist Daniel Biglin talked with
the students about DNA processing. The students asked several excellent
questions regarding evidence processing and plan to use their experience to
help complete a class project.
On
December 13,
Commander John Perez, Sergeants Rudy Lemos, Jesse Carrillo, and
Terysa Rojas, Officers Richard Vindiola, Brad May, and Veronica
Burris, participated in a community luncheon. The community member
hosting the event served homemade (traditional) Mexican food.
On
December 18, the
Pasadena Police Department hosted its annual New Year’s Law Enforcement
Luncheon and meeting. Law enforcement representatives from local, state
and federal agencies attended the meeting to discuss their security role during
the Rose Parade and Bowl. The event was organized by Pasadena Police
Lieutenant Bruce George and Sergeant Art Chute. Pasadena Office
Supervisor Beverly Bogar and Police Specialists Olga Baray
assisted with logistics.
On
December 19,
several community members, city officials, and police employees attended the
retirement celebration of Lieutenant Phlunte Riddle. She served the Pasadena
Police Department and the community for approximately 28.8 years. Mayor Bill
Bogaard, City Manager Michael Beck, Senator Carol Liu, and Adam
Schiff ‘s Field Representative, Teresa Lamb-Simpson, Lieutenant Randell
Taylor, Motor Officer John Watkins, and I were among the many
speakers. Pasadena Community Leader and John Muir High School Graduate, Cameron
Turner was the emcee.
On
December 20, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Officer Anthony Russo, Office Supervisor Beverly
Bogar and I participated in the Pasadena-Altadena Community Team Holiday
meeting. The meeting was a central gathering point for several nonprofit
service providers who support formerly incarcerated people. More than 70
formally incarcerated people attended the meeting and received a hot meal and
Christmas toys for their children. Flintridge Center’s Brian Biery
helped facilitate the event.
Critical
Incidents:
From
December 10th – December 20th, 33 residential burglaries were
reported in Pasadena. 14 of those were reported in the Northwest
portion of the city. Always remember to lock your home securely (all
windows and doors) and activate your alarm, even if you only plan to be gone
for a few minutes. And most importantly, if you see something, say
something. Most burglars are caught with your help. Trust your
instincts and call the Police Department at (626) 744-4241 to report suspicious
activity when it occurs. Keep up to date on current crimes in your
neighborhood at www.crimemapping.com.
On
December 11,
detectives assigned to the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Taskforce
(WSGV-ACT) assisted Arcadia Police investigators with a commercial burglary
case. After receiving relevant information the WSGV-ACT, detectives set up
surveillance at the suspect’s residence. A short time later, the suspect
emerged from the residence and was arrested without incident. WSGV-ACT
completed a follow-up search at the location and recovered a rifle. The suspect
was booked for commercial burglary.
On
December 12, detectives assigned to the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime
Taskforce
(WSGV-ACT) conducted a follow-up investigation on a commercial burglary that
occurred in Pasadena. Pasadena Police officers arrested two suspects
after they burglarized a Laundromat. WSGV-ACT detectives responded to the
home of one of the suspects. Once at the location, WSGV-ACT detectives
located additional evidence linking the suspect to the Laundromat
burglaries. They also discovered a massive DVD pirating operation,
which included thousands of pirated DVS and packaging material.
Detectives contacted the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) who
assisted with the investigation. As an aside, the MPAA estimated the value of
the stolen DVDs at $120,000.
On
December 16 at about 11:59 p.m.,
Pasadena Police officers responded to the 700 block North Marengo Avenue
regarding an assault with a deadly weapon (knife). The officers talked
with the victim who said he was walking in the area when two dark colored
vehicles pulled up to him. Two individuals (suspects) exited the
vehicles, both were armed with knives. The suspects asked the victim if
he was a gang member. The victim became fearful and attempted to run
away. One of the suspects started stabbing the victim. The victim
was able to flag down a passing car and asked the occupants to call the police.
On arrival, officers located the victim who sustained 1” stab wound to the back
of his head and a 2” stab wound to his right hand. The suspects fled the
area prior to the officer’s arrival. The victim was treated by PFD Paramedics
at the scene and later transported to a local hospital in stable
condition. Our investigation is ongoing.
On
December 18 at about 3:07 a.m.,
Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1300 block of El Sereno Avenue on a
report of an assault victim. On arrival, officers talked with the
“victim” who said he was beat-up to two Hispanics Males. The victim was
transported to a local hospital for treatment as PPD officers continued their
investigation. The preliminary investigation led officers to the 200 block of
Stanton Street, where they discovered a residential burglary had
occurred. Officers talked with the burglary victim who provided a
description of the suspect. The victim told the officers he saw the
suspect exiting his home and confronted him. The contact led to a
physical altercation between the home owner and the suspect. The suspect was
able to escape and ran home where his parents called the police regarding the
“apparent” assault. PPD officers contact the suspect at the
hospital and he admitted to committing the burglary. The suspect was
arrested; however, his injuries were serious enough he was admitted for
treatment.
On December 19 at about
7:40 p.m., Pasadena Police officers
responded to the 500 block of North Fair Oaks Avenue regarding an armed robbery
investigation. On arrival, officers talked with the victims who said the
suspect (Male White or Hispanic, 30 – 40 years old, 6-0, Thin Build) entered
their business, brandished a gun, and demanded money. Fearing for their
safety, the victims complied with the suspect’s demands. The suspect left
the location prior to the police arriving. Community members with information
are encouraged to call 626-744-4241. If you wish to remain anonymous,
please call “LA Crime Stoppers” at 800-222 TIPS (8477), texting the letters
TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org. Our
investigation is ongoing.
On
December 20 in the morning,
Pasadena Police detectives conducted 290 (convicted sex offenders) compliance
checks at several locations in the city. The detectives contacted
approximately 25 registrants to ensure they were complying with the conditions
of their release. Detectives participating in the compliance checks
included: Schuyler Sandeen, Bobby Jenkins, Robert Tucker, Jack Preston,
Bryan Marin, Chong Pham, Van Kim, Paul Granados, Monica Cuellar, and MichaelLewis. Los Angeles County Probation Officers also participated.
On
December 20 at about 4:00 p.m.
Pasadena Police officers responded to the Colorado Street Bridge regarding a
suicide investigation. Our investigation determined the victim was
despondent over employment issues and jumped from the bridge. Officers
talked with the victim’s (Female White, 55) husband who said his wife was
despondent about employment issues. The Los Angeles County Coroner
responded to recover the victim’s body.
On
December 22 during the evening,
the Pasadena Police Traffic Section conducted a DUI Check Point near Arroyo
Parkway and Green Street. The officer assigned to the checkpoint
monitored about 1,118 vehicles, conducted 34 FST, and arrested 7 drivers for
DUI or driving while under the influence of drugs. Pasadena Police
Lieutenant Randell Taylor commands the traffic section.
On December 21 at 9:00
p.m., Pasadena Police officers
responded to the 1800 block of El Sereno Avenue regarding an Assault with a
Deadly Weapon. On arrival, officers talked to the victim who said he
heard a group outside his residence. The victim left his residence to
investigation the group when the suspect (Male Black, Adult) fired several
shots at him, although he was not hit. The suspect and the group of male
subjects fled the area prior to our arrival. The Pasadena Police Department
is seeking the public’s help in identifying the person(s) responsible for the
shooting. Community members with information are encouraged to call
626-744-4241. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call “LA Crime
Stoppers” at 800-222 TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to
CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Our investigation is ongoing.
On December 22 from
1:50 a.m. to about 2:45 a.m.,
Pasadena Police officers responded to four service calls regarding shots fired.
The incidents occurred near Del Monte Street and Mentone Avenue (evidence
recovered, no injuries), 100 block of West Washington Boulevard (heard only, no
evidence, no injuries), 100 block of Poplar Lane (evidence recovered, no
injuries), and Lincoln Avenue and Montana Street (heard only, no evidence, no
injuries). Extra officers were assigned to the area; however, there were no
arrests associated with the shots fired calls. Community members with information
are encouraged to call 626-744-4241. If you wish to remain anonymous,
please call “LA Crime Stoppers” at 800-222 TIPS (8477), texting the letters
TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org. Our
investigation is ongoing.
Sincerely,
Phillip L. Sanchez
Chief of Police
Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4545
Mission First, People Always