Traffic Stop in Pasadena Leads to Grand Theft Arrests

Two men were taken into custody Saturday after Pasadena police stopped a speeding van that was later linked to a grand theft in Altadena, authorities said.

Around noon, officers saw a Dodge Caravan traveling at high speed through a red light at Orange Grove Boulevard and Allen Avenue, Pasadena Police Lieutenant Sam De Sylva said. Officers initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver and passenger as Colombian nationals, ages 26 and 24, who did not possess valid driver’s licenses.

During the stop, officers found one man hiding on the floorboard in the rear of the van. Nearby, they discovered a purse, wallet, multiple identification and bank cards, and about $800 in cash, De Sylva said. The items were traced to a woman who was at the Altadena Sheriff’s Station reporting a grand theft.

The victim told deputies her belongings had been stolen from her vehicle outside her home. She provided a description and license plate number that matched the van stopped in Pasadena, De Sylva said.

Pasadena officers contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which responded and took custody of the suspects. No injuries were reported.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 or report information anonymously by contacting “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) via your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org