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Monrovia Police: Social Security Scam; Stolen Scooter; Driver Accidentally Runs Over Woman's Arm; Bicycle Chase; Suspect Bathes in Camper; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 11-17. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 307 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Grand Theft
March 11 at 9:12 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Olive called to report the catalytic converter was stolen from her vehicle sometime during the night. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
March 11 at 7:18 p.m., a resident arrived home in the 200 block of N. Grand and noticed their mailbox and a package had been taken from their property. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The mailbox was found near the intersection of Canyon and Wildrose. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 7:20 p.m., a caller reported a driver swerving in and out of traffic in the area of Myrtle and Pomona. Officers in the area located the vehicle and stopped it for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Commercial Burglary
March 12 at 2:19 a.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of E. Huntington called to report his security cameras had just recorded someone inside his closed business. Officers arrived, but the suspect had already fled the building. An interior search revealed the suspect broke a window to gain entry. Once inside, the suspect took several pieces of high dollar audio and video equipment. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 3:40 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called police to report a subject on his property. The subject had previously been served a no-trespass authorization. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, who refused to leave. The resident made a private person’s arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Phone Scam
March 12 at 8:46 a.m., a local resident called police and inquired about a phone call she received. A caller (scammer) stated they were from the Social Security Administration and told the resident that several bank accounts had been opened in her name. The scammer said a police officer found a stolen vehicle with drugs, blood, and credit cards in her name, and as a result, a warrant was issued for her. In order to clear her name, she needed to purchase six $500.00 cash cards and provide the account numbers to the caller. The reporting party purchased $1,900.00 worth of cash cards, but wisely decided to call the police prior to providing the account numbers to the caller. She was informed of the scam and did not call the scammer back. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 6:26 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Foothill and Primrose regarding a female subject who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel. An investigation revealed the adult female suspect was under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs. The driver was arrested and taken to a local hospital for a blood test, before being held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft
March 12 at 6:38 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 1200 block of Alta Vista. The victim called to report a scooter he rented had been stolen from the location. Officers checked the area, but the scooter was not located. A report was taken and this investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 8:25 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of W. Duarte regarding a domestic dispute. Officers interviewed the involved parties and found there were no injuries. Both parties provided conflicting statements. The investigation revealed the female was the aggressor and she was arrested.

Drug Activity / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
March 13 at 3:50 a.m., officers patrolling the 300 block of N. Myrtle noticed a suspicious vehicle loitering in the area. Further investigation revealed the vehicle license plate returned to a different vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated and three suspects were detained. The vehicle contained controlled substances and property that appeared to belong to other vehicles. Two of the suspects were found to have warrants for their arrest. The two suspects were arrested for the warrants. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 13 at 11:29 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth called to report her vehicle had been broken into sometime during the night. She locked the doors and made sure the windows were rolled up. She left a travel bag containing a computer and wallet inside the vehicle. She returned to her vehicle in the morning and noticed her travel bag was missing. There were no signs of forced entry. This investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
March 15 at 3:42 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Linwood regarding a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a male and female subject at the location and discovered the male was recently arrested for domestic violence against the female. Further investigation revealed there was an active domestic violence restraining order preventing him from being near her. The male subject was arrested for violating the restraining order.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
March 15 at 7:12 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Palm walked outside his home and discovered someone had collided into his parked vehicle. His vehicle had been parked on the street in front of his house, and he believes it happened sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 15 at 1:12 p.m., a traffic accident was reported at a parking lot in the 500 block of W. Duarte. A motorist had just driven over a woman's arm in the parking lot. The woman had apparently fainted next to the passenger side of a parked vehicle. The driver of the vehicle didn't know she was lying on the ground as he backed up. When the driver felt he hit something, he stopped and found the woman, then rendered aid. Paramedics responded to provide additional aid. The arm injury was not life threatening.

Theft / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 15 at 4:34 p.m., a caller reported a male subject chasing another male subject on a bicycle in the 100 block of N. May. Officers responded and detained both subjects. An investigation revealed the subject on the bike had just stolen it and the owner of the bike was chasing him. The bike was returned to the owner, but he did not desire to prosecute the suspect. The suspect was also found to have a felony warrant for his arrest for a previous fraud crime. He was arrested for the warrant.

Mail Theft
March 16 at 12:31 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of S. Ivy walked outside her home and discovered someone had broken into her locked mailbox and took her mail. Her neighbor's mailbox also had the lock broken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 16 at 4:20 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Mayflower reported that someone had forced entry into his camper, which was parked at his home. The suspect bathed inside the camper, then stole personal items belonging to the victim. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 16 at 8:59 p.m., a motorcyclist was traveling approximately 100 miles per hour east in the 400 block of E. Foothill, where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour. The motorcyclist attempted to pass a vehicle making a left turn from Foothill onto Grand Avenue. The motorcycle collided into the driver’s side of the vehicle, which ejected the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital by Monrovia Paramedics and is in stable condition. The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from Arcadia Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. DUI was not a factor in this collision.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 17 at 9:59 a.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of S. Peck regarding a vehicle collision. A vehicle rear ended another vehicle, and one of the driver’s complained of pain. Paramedics responded to treat the injured party, and the driver at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft Auto
March 17 at 12:13 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 700 block of W. Huntington. The victim last saw her van around 3:15 a.m. that morning. When she returned at 11:30 a.m., her vehicle was gone. Surveillance footage shows the vehicle was stolen at approximately 3:30 a.m. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system and the investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 17 at 1:27 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Central and Myrtle regarding a vehicle collision. A tow truck began having mechanical issues that caused him to hit two other stopped vehicles. Two of the driver’s complained of pain and were treated by paramedics.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 17 at 2:05 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Foothill and California regarding a traffic collision. One of the vehicles stopped for a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk. Another vehicle was not able to stop in time and hit the first vehicle. One of the driver’s complained of pain to her chest and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Virtual 11th Annual MAP Conference

"The MAP Neighborhood Conference’s goal is to provide the entire community, including the surrounding areas of Monrovia, an opportunity to gain education, information, training, resources, and build relationships with individuals and groups from all different walks of life. In return, we want everyone in attendance to take what they have learned and share it within their community, their work, their neighborhoods, or anywhere it might be needed."

- Brad Haugaard

100-MPH Crash on Foothill Injures Motorcyclist

On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 8:59 p.m., a motorcyclist was traveling approximately 100 MPH east in the 400 block of E. Foothill where the posted speed limit is 35 MPH. The motorcyclist attempted to pass a vehicle making a left turn from Foothill onto Grand Avenue. The motorcycle collided into the driver’s side of the vehicle, which ejected the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital by Monrovia Paramedics, and is in stable condition. The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from Arcadia Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. DUI was not a factor in this collision.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovian, NFL Coach Wayne Nunnely, to be Buried in Monrovia

Former Monrovian and noted football coach, Wayne Benjamin Nunnely, who died on February 16 of this year, will be buried in Live Oak Park on Duarte Road in a private service on March 26.

Nunnely grew up in Monrovia, played football at Monrovia High and at UNLV, then had a career coaching at UCLA, USC, UNLV, then with The New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. He was the first African American head coach on the West Coast.

Partial source: https://is.gd/4SASOa

- Brad Haugaard

Sol Is Gentle and Intelligent, And Oh So Handsome!


Three-year-old Sol is a gentle and intelligent dog, and so handsome! He already knows his commands of sit, down, paw, and touch, and he loves getting treats for showing off his tricks. Sol is a cuddly dog who loves people and going for walks. He would do best in a home where he can be the only pet and give you all his snuggles!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Eva C. Rehrman and Friend c. 1922

Eva C. Rehrman and friend c. 1922 looking east on W. Palm (now occupied by the Community Center) toward Myrtle Ave. with Woman's Clubhouse in background and Methodist Church (right). See full details here. From the Rehrman family collection.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

New City Entry Sign Planned for Huntington at Fifth; MOTAB Board; Promoting Bicycle Riding


At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/SUPuXX) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider a new city entry sign at the west side of town at Huntington Drive and Fifth. It'll cost about $204,000, to be paid for from the Art in Public Places Fund, which was, in turn, funded by the builders of the Areum condo project. The sign will echo the "MONROVIA" sign at City Hall and have the leaves motif you can see at the eastbound freeway exit at Myrtle. https://is.gd/rUhy7q

~ Consider increasing the size of Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board from five to seven people. City staff is making no recommendation on what to do. https://is.gd/gXgKQU

~ Hear a report on a new program to encourage bicycle riding in the city. https://is.gd/B5BBjI

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Plans to Promote Bicycle Riding


Photo by C Drying on Unsplash

As part of the GoMonrovia transportation program, the city is planning to promote bicycle riding in Monrovia with "a 'Ride-to-Own' bicycle pilot program, which includes dedicated bike programs for residents, commuters, restaurants for delivery services, bike shops (rentals/repairs), as well as a digital platform and a budget for infrastructure updates and marketing."

The program is designed to "alleviate safety and financial barriers to owning and riding bikes in Monrovia."

Also, the city is working to get the Monrovia Transit vehicles (for handicapped individuals) onto the Lyft app so people can order a ride just as Lyft riders do.

The matter will be reported on at the next City Council meeting: https://is.gd/SUPuXX

Source: https://is.gd/B5BBjI

- Brad Haugaard

Hippity Hoppity Photo Op March 27 at Library Park


Program is free, but registration for 15-minute photo time slots are limited and required. Plague rules apply.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Report: 16 More Cases, 2 More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 03/10/2021. Changes since 03/03/2021.

City of Monrovia: 3,098 cases (up 16), 70 deaths up 2
Unincorporated Monrovia: 363 cases (up 2), 1 death (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Vote on Hybrid Instructional Model for Elementary Schools


At a special Zoom meeting at 1 p.m. this Friday (agenda: https://is.gd/qDrBS5), the Monrovia Board of Education will consider an Elementary Hybrid Instructional Model to be implemented at all MUSD elementary schools. The proposed schedule is shown in the accompanying images.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at London Gastropub


Lunch today at London Gastropub, on the west side of Myrtle about a half block north of Lemon. Got the fish tacos for $12 and a beer for $7. I liked it a lot.

- Brad Haugaard 

Stickers for InfoWars Appearing on City Signs

Reader Brian Robinson writes that he has recently pulled down about 30 stickers for InfoWars on municipal signs, mostly in the area of Monrovia High School. He said police know about the vandalism. The sticker shown here, Robinson writes, is near Mountain Communion Church at Magnolia and Colorado. 

Wikipedia calls InfoWars a "far-right conspiracy theory and fake news website."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Robbery With Scissors; Pistol Persuades Intruder to Leave; Motorcyclist Causes Car's Airbags to Go Off; Angry Roommate Bites Live Electrical Cord; and More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 4-10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 329 service events, resulting in 59 investigations.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 10:30 a.m., an employee of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a female adult that entered the store, concealed items, and left without paying. As she left, she was approached by an employee. The female suspect produced a pair of scissors and held them above her head as though she was going to stab the employee. Fearing for her safety, the employee moved away and allowed the suspect to leave. Officers arrived and detained the suspect a short distance away. She was positively identified by the witness and arrested for robbery.

Weapons Offense – One Suspect Arrested
March 5 at 9:22 p.m., officers observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the 200 block of Los Angeles. They initiated a traffic stop, but both occupants exited the vehicle and ran. A containment was set up of the area, and one of the suspects was detained. Two firearms were recovered by officers that appeared to have been thrown by the suspects as they ran. The suspect that was detained was arrested and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary / False Imprisonment – Suspect Arrested
March 6 at 7:46 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Linwood called police to report a male suspect that just kicked in his front door and entered his home. The suspect was holding a metal object. The resident, fearing for his safety, attempted to exit the home. The suspect told the resident he was not allowed to leave. The suspect said he was looking for his sister, and he proceeded to look in each bedroom and closet. Shortly after, the suspect exited the home without harming the resident. Police received a second call from a neighbor, as the male suspect attempted to break into his home. The homeowner pointed a handgun at the suspect and told him to get off his property. The suspect complied. Officers set up a containment in the area and saw the suspect on the roof of a nearby home. The suspect ran and a short distance, but was detained by officers. A thorough investigation was conducted and the suspect was arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 6 at 10:03 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower between a vehicle and a motorcycle. Officers arrived and checked on the well being of the involved parties. The driver of the vehicle complained of pain. The motorcyclist had visible injuries and was treated at the scene. Video footage of the traffic collision was obtained that showed the motorcyclist traveling westbound on Duarte at a high rate of speed. The motorcyclist lost control and fell off the motorcycle. The motorcycle slid into a vehicle that was waiting to make a left turn onto Duarte, causing the vehicle airbags to deploy. The driver at fault was issued a citation.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 5:22 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of S. Magnolia regarding a family disturbance. During the investigation, officers learned that two roommates were involved in a domestic dispute, when one bit the other on the arm, and then bit an electrical cord that was plugged in, causing an injury to his mouth. The primary aggressor was arrested and taken into custody after being medically evaluated.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 9:16 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a subject who appeared to be passed out. The officer stopped to check on the well being of the subject. As he approached, he discovered a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia resting next to the subject. The subject woke up and said he was okay. He was arrested and released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Mental Evaluation – Subject Evaluated
March 7 at 11:17 a.m., a caller reported a female subject lying on the sidewalk in the 500 block of W. Foothill, screaming to herself. Officers arrived and located the subject. She began screaming at the officers and stood up. She proceeded to walk away from the officers and into the street. There were several cars traveling in the roadway, which put her safety at risk. Officers determined the subject was a danger to herself. She was detained and transported to a local hospital for mental evaluation.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 7 at 11:25 a.m., a male adult subject was reported stumbling in the 100 block of W. Foothill and appeared intoxicated. Officers arrived and saw the subject had fallen on the sidewalk and was crawling on his hands and knees. The subject was heavily intoxicated and could not care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 8 at 9:01 a.m., a traffic collision involving injuries was reported at the intersection of California and Central. Officers arrived and found both drivers had non-life-threatening injuries. Paramedics responded and transported both drivers to a nearby hospital for care. The party found at fault will be issued a citation.

Attempt Burglary
March 9 at 3:53 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm activation at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival, officers discovered the front window had been smashed. The front, roll-up, security screen was still intact and no suspects gained entry. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 9 at 11:27 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Mountain and Huntington after two vehicles collided in the southbound lanes. One of the drivers complained of pain and was treated by paramedics. He was later transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 9 at 1:16 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Huntington and Highway Esplanade regarding a collision between two vehicles. An investigation revealed that one of the drivers had failed to stop at a red light. The other driver complained of pain to his head and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
March 9 at 4:32 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Violet and Lime. The victim called police to report his vehicle had been hit at the intersection by another vehicle when the driver ran the stop sign. The suspect vehicle refused to stop and left the area. Officers arrived, but were unable to locate the suspect vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 10 at 8:40 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of S. Violet. The victim reported his vehicle was broken into sometime during the night. Officers arrived and concluded the only items stolen were the vehicle registration and manual. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
March 10 at 9:56 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at a parking lot in the 900 block of W. Huntington. The suspect vehicle struck the victim’s vehicle in the parking lot and then drove away. Officers arrived, but the suspect vehicle had fled the area already and was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Snow Capped Mountains Over Monrovia


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovian Charged With Using Illegal Methods to Gain College Admissions for Foreign Students

Monrovian Yi Chen, also known as “Brian Chen," 33, has been charged in a 21-count grand jury indictment, along with a San Gabriel man, with running "educational consulting" companies in Alhambra and Arcadia that guaranteed admission to US colleges to foreign students. Both men have pleaded not guilty. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges that the company used fake or altered transcripts and hired people to impersonate the applicant to take standardized tests, such as the test of English as a Foreign Language. https://is.gd/cpJfVA


- Brad Haugaard

Micken Is a Sweetie Ready for a Second Chance


Four-year-old Micken came to the shelter with eleven other cats as part of a hoarding case, and he’s looking for his second chance! Micken is a sweetie who loves being next to his foster parent or on their lap. He even likes belly rubs and being combed! He may need a little time to get to know you, but once he does, he’s an affectionate kitty who will bring a lot of warmth to your life.

The adoption fee for cats is $100. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets and schedule a virtual adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the following week.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email. 

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1912 Monrovia Day Parade

Monrovia Days Parade 1912. See full details here. From the From the Rehrman family collection.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Public Works Director Sean Sullivan Accepts Job in Big Bear

Monrovia Public Works Director Sean Sullivan will resign from his position after accepting the role of Public Services Director for the City of Big Bear Lake.

“This was a decision that was not made lightly. Simply put, I love Monrovia and will always remember the team and the community,” said Sullivan. “Throughout the past five years, I have worked alongside amazing people and I could not be more proud of the work and contributions of everyone on the Monrovia team. This is truly a bittersweet moment, but I am excited at the opportunity to begin the next chapter of my family’s adventure.”

As the Public Works Director, Sullivan led the largest public works project in the City’s history. Known as Monrovia Renewal, this multi-year infrastructure improvement initiative was designed to prioritize repairs and restore the City’s aging infrastructure that was plagued by a backlog of deferred maintenance. This $55.2 million project aim to upgrade and repair water and sewer pipelines, water facilities, streets, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. After the Bobcat Fire, Sullivan coordinated post-fire mitigation efforts, including k-rail installation and debris removal after a major rainstorm. 

“It has been an honor working with Sean,” said Dylan Feik, Monrovia City Manager. “His passion to serve the Monrovia community inspired many, including myself. His family has deep ties in the Big Bear Lake community and the opportunity to continue his career there has special meaning for him. I, along with the entire team at the City of Monrovia, wish nothing but the best for Sean and his family.”

Sullivan joined the City in 2015 and held titles of Public Works Director and Public Works Manager. His last day with the City will be April 1, 2021. The City will be conducting a recruitment for the next Public Works Director in the coming weeks.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Consider: Recruiting Company for New Superintendent; Popular Singing Course; Naming Wellness Center after Susan Hirsch

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/fb8r9X) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Hiring Leadership Associates, of Santa Barbara, a company that specializes in executive recruiting for educational organizations, to help the district find a new superintendent to replace retiring Katherine Thorossian. If approved, the district would pay the company $25,000. https://is.gd/13OwCI

~ Creating a new high school course called Popular Singing. https://is.gd/Aq1LfQ

~ Renaming the Wellness Center at Monrovia High School after former administrator Susan Hirsch.

- Brad Haugaard