Pasadena Police Chief Recaps Recent Critical Incidents

Editor’s Note: In this report, Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez reviews noteworthy incidents which occurred or were concluded in recent weeks in Pasadena.

Critical Incidents:

On July 7, at about 6:41 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 700 block of North Marengo Avenue regarding a fight.  On arrival, officers learned that the victim heard a verbal argument outside his residence and went out to investigate.  The victim yelled at the people involved in the fight to discourage their activity.  Without warning, however, one of the subjects produced a firearm and threatened to shoot the Good Samaritan.  The Good Samaritan told police officers he recognized the gun was “fake” and approached the subject (not advisable).  The Good Samaritan and the suspect engaged in a physical altercation; however, the suspect was able to escape prior to our arrival.  Our investigation is ongoing.

On July 9, at about 2:30 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Fair Oaks Avenue and Dayton Street regarding a report of a man in the street armed with a knife.  On arrival, Officers encountered the suspect, who was armed with two kitchen knives (one in each hand).  The suspect was extremely agitated and yelling incoherently.  Officers secured tactical positions and ordered the suspect to surrender.  Initially, the suspect complied with the officer’s orders, but then he re-armed himself.

The suspect presented an imminent danger to the officers, who deployed a less-lethal device.  The suspect dropped the knives and was taken into custody without further incident.  He sustained a minor injury from the less-lethal deployment.  No officers were injured during the incident.  The suspect was likely under the influence of methamphetamine and was transported to HMH for treatment.   Our investigation revealed the suspect had committed a residential burglary just prior to his encounter with PPD.  The suspect was later booked for residential burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. The officers involved in this incident used exceptional decision-making skills, combined with sound tactics, which clearly prevented a lethal encounter.

On July 12 at about 7:13 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to area of Colorado Boulevard and Oak Knoll Avenue regarding “man with a gun” investigation. On arrival, officers learned that maintenance workers were talking among themselves as the suspect was passing through.  The suspect stopped and approached the victims; apparently think they (the victims) were talking about him.  The suspect lifted his shirt to display a pistol tucked in his waistband and threated to kill the victims. He then removed the pistol and waved it in the air. The suspect walked away and the victims called the police.  Officers located the suspect near Oakland Avenue and Union Street and detained him without incident. PPD first responders searched the suspect and discovered a replica Beretta (Airsoft) pistol.  The victims positively identified the suspect, who was arrested and booked for threats at the Pasadena jail.

On July 14 at about 4:24 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 400 block of South Oak Knoll Avenue regarding a sexual assault investigation.  On arrival, officers learned that the victim and the suspect met on a social media site.  On July 12, the victim drove to the suspect’s residence in Pasadena, where she was assaulted (raped).  She subsequently reported the assault, and the suspect was identified.  Officers responded to the suspect’s residence and detained him without incident.  He was positively identified and arrested.

On July 15 at about 9:18 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 1300 block of North Raymond Avenue regarding an armed robbery investigation.  On arrival, officers learned the victim was getting into a vehicle when he was approached from behind by the suspect (Male Black adult, 5,’ 2,” approx. 140 lbs.) wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, and black pants. The suspect placed a hard object into the victim’s back and demanded money.  The victim, fearing for his safety, complied with the suspect.  The suspect fled south on foot from the location.  Our investigation is ongoing.

Thank you again for your support and your prayers for our first responders…..