Wanted Vandalism Suspect Arrested, Gun Seized in Pasadena

Police chased down and arrested a man they had been seeking in connection with vandalism at a city park, also seizing a handgun from him, after spotting the suspect in Pasadena on Thursday afternoon, officials said.

Officers had been on the lookout for 18-year-old William Clark of Pasadena in connection with a felony vandalism case resulting from graffiti scrawled at Jackie Robinson Park when they spotted him about shortly before 4:20 p.m. in the 1800 block of North Raymond Ave., Pasadena Police Department Lt. Marcia Taglioretti said.

The officers saw Clark get onto a bus, so they began following it, she said.

Clark hopped off the bus and ran east along Tremont Street, holding his waistband as he ran, according to Taglioretti.

Police set up a search perimeter, with help from K-9, and ultimately found Clark hiding in a nearby backyard, she said.

Clark was taken into custody without further incident, and a handgun was found in the yard where he had been hiding, the lieutenant said.

According to Los Angeles County booking records, bail for Clark was set at $20,000 pending his initial court appearance, which was yet to be scheduled Friday.