Pasadena Police Recap Week’s Critical Incidents

On July 3, the Special Enforcement Section (SES) and Pasadena Police Detectives served a search warrant on persons believed to be involved in citywide burglaries. During the search, officers recovered two long rifles, a shotgun, and a revolver. Officers also recovered several high-capacity rifle magazines and numerous shotgun/handgun rounds. A known gang-member was arrested at the location for burglary and possession of guns. He was later booked at the Pasadena jail. The seizure of the firearms involved in this investigation likely kept them from reaching our streets. The trio of detectives investigating this case was: Dustin Gomez, David Duran, and Anthony Russo.

On July 3, Pasadena Police officers responded to the 400 block of Los Robles Avenue to investigate a threats call (suspect was threating to shoot the victim). On arrival, PPD Officers Mike Herrera and Linda Mercado saw the suspect vehicle. Mike and Linda attempted a traffic stop; however, the driver failed to yield. Attempting to evade the officers, the suspect driver entered the 134 Freeway. The officers initiated a vehicle pursuit and requested the assistance the Pasadena Police Helicopter and the California Highway Patrol. The vehicle pursuit continued into the City of Los Angeles where Los Angeles Police Officers assisted. Subsequently, the suspect diver stopped his vehicle in the 10000 block of Bluffside Drive and fled on foot. Officers quickly contained the area and the suspect was later arrested without further incident. He was transported back to the Pasadena jail and booked. There were no accidents or injuries associated with this incident.

On July 3, distraught parents contacted the San Marino Police Department and reported their 17 year old daughter missing. Following a preliminary review of the incident, it was determined the last known location of the victim was in Pasadena. The Pasadena Police Department took over as the lead agency. Some of the initial facts of the case were concerning, so additional resources and personnel were assembled to assist with the investigation. Pasadena Police Sergeant Ernie Devis coordinated PPD’s efforts to locate the victim. The police department alerted the community via Nixle and Twitter. Pasadena Police Officer Tom Brown remained with the victim’s parents in San Marino during the investigation, acting as a liaison between the family, SMPD, and the Pasadena Police Department. Later in the evening, Officers John Buchholtz and Steve Rappuchi saw the victim on Glen Oaks Boulevard sitting in her car. Officers contact the victim, who was unharmed. Based on our preliminary investigation, it appears the victim was despondent over family issues. Detectives responded to the location and interview the victim. She was later returned to her family.

On July 5, Pasadena Police officers responded to the 400 block of East Walnut Street regarding a residential burglary investigation. On arrival, PPD officers talked with the victim who said she heard movement in her bedroom. When she investigated, the victim saw the suspect standing in her residence. The suspect (Male Black Adult) immediately fled the location. Our preliminary investigation suggests the suspect entered the dwelling through an unlocked sliding glass bedroom door. This very dangerous incident is a good reminder to keep your doors and windows locked during the evening and when you are away. If you have an alarm, please use it.

On July 5, Pasadena Police officers responded to investigate a large group causing a disturbance at Community Arms. On arrival, about 20 people were gathered around a parked car. As officers approached, many of the people fled. Officers detained several subjects and recovered a load firearm from the vehicle. Officers determined the revolver was reported stolen from Altadena. The investigation is ongoing.

On July 6, at about 1:03 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to a report of gunshots in the area of East Hammond Street and Summit Avenue. On arrival, officers saw a large crowd in front a residence in the 100 block of East Hammond Street. Officers also saw two females lying in the roadway. They quickly determined the females had not been shot, but were victims of a hit-and-run (vehicle v. pedestrian) collision. Pasadena Fire Paramedics responded and both victims were reported as having minor to moderate injuries. The victims were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. The victims are both Latinas in their late teens to early 20s.

The suspect vehicle was located at the scene; however, the driver fled before officers arrived. The driver is described only as a male Latino. Witnesses reported the driver may have intentionally struck the victims after an argument. Our investigation is ongoing. Lieutenant Vasken Gourdikian was the on-duty Watch Commander and supervised the incident. On July 7 at about 2:43 a.m., Chief Sanchez received information that PPD officers identified and arrested the suspect (without incident) responsible for the deliberate hit and run assault. Officer Rodney Saunders led the field investigation. The suspect was booked at the Pasadena jail for attempted murder.