Romantic Valentine Carriage Rides Feb. 14

Valentine's Day Romantic Carriage Rides, Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5-9:30 p.m. Tickets $40 for a 15-minute private ride. Four adults per carriage, up to six riders for families with young children. For more information or reservations, call 256-8246. If it rains, rides will be canceled, and you'll get a full refund. Sponsored by Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Porch Pirate; Thief Switches Debit Cards; Not Drunk, But He Had an Arrest Warrant; Robbers Steal Take-Out Food; Drunk Drivers; And More...

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 1 – 7. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 372 service events, resulting in 53 investigations. 

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 6:35 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Olive reported an adult female subject trespassing. Officers arrived and located the female subject. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft
February 1 at 11:29 a.m., a caller reported that someone stole property from her front porch in the 300 block of W. Lime. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 10:47 p.m., a store employee in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported a suspicious male adult in the store. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Violation of Court Order
February 2 at 11:00 a.m., a caller in the 900 block of S. Shamrock reported a male subject who has a restraining order to not be at the location was in the building. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
February 2 at 11:14 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of S. Myrtle reported that she dropped her debit card after using an ATM and an unknown subject handed her what she believed to be her card. She had been handed a card that did not belong to her. Later she received an alert stating that someone had withdrawn money from her account. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
February 2 at 1:17 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1100 block of E. Huntington reported a female subject at the location was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the female subject who had been previously arrested for trespassing. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 2 at 3:50 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding two subjects who stole items from the store. Officers arrived and located the subjects who were in possession of the stolen property. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence / Robbery
February 2 at 6:06 p.m., a caller in the 500 block of W. Duarte reported she was battered by her boyfriend. She reported that he took her cellphone, her jewelry and fled the area. Officers arrived and searched the area but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Resisting / Delaying – Suspect Arrested
February 2 at 8:46 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he saw a bicyclist riding in violation of a vehicle code. Officers conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the subject. The subject became agitated and uncooperative. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shots Fired / Homicide
February 3 at 1:30 a.m., several callers in the 100 block of E. Olive reported a fight and multiple gunshots. Officers arrived and located an adult male victim suffering from several gunshot wounds. MFD responded and transported the victim for medical care and he was pronounced deceased by hospital stuff. This investigation is being handled by the LA County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau and MPD Detective Bureau.

Non-injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the influence – Suspect Arrested

February 3 at 2:25 a.m., a caller reported seeing a motorist collide into a wall in the area of Evergreen and Shamrock. Sierra Madre Police Officers responded and contacted the driver, who was not injured. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 3:02 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Alta Vista reported she was involved in an argument with her adult son who was heavily intoxicated. He had threatened to burn the house down. Irwindale Police Officers responded and found the son outside the house in the front yard. He was arrested for being drunk and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 6:57 a.m., a caller in the area of Myrtle and Central reported a possible DUI driver in the area. Officers arrived and located the vehicle and driver nearby. The driver was not DUI, but a computer search revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
February 3 at 12:05 p.m., fraud was reported in the 800 block of W. Walnut. The victim stated that someone accessed her account and withdrew money. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery
February 3 at 1:06 p.m., a victim in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported he was walking out of a restaurant with food when two subjects approached him and demanded the food. The victim handed the order and the suspects fled. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 4:37 p.m., a caller in the area of California and Duarte reported a possible DUI in the area. The caller stated the driver was asleep at the wheel. Officers arrived and located the vehicle and the driver still inside. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting
February 4 at 11:40 a.m., a male and female adult entered a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington and took merchandise without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
February 5 at 8:34 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Los Angeles reported a vehicle burglary. The victim reported gardening equipment and tools were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
February 5 at 10:31 a.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported an item stolen from the worksite. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
February 5 at 9:18 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Ivy and Huntington. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 7:17 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a person loitering near the entrance of a business. Officers arrived and located the subject, a computer check revealed he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 9:02 a.m., an officer patrolling the 100 block of W. Duarte saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. A computer search revealed the driver had outstanding warrants for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
February 6 at 12:54 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of Melrose regarding a stolen vehicle. The victim reported that she parked her vehicle in front of her residence and it was later stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 8:01 a.m., while patrolling the area of Duarte and Alamitas an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. A computer search revealed the driver was restrained from the passenger. Both subjects were arrested for being in violation of the court order. The driver was transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Mental Evaluation
February 7 at 3:38 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of S. Myrtle regarding a female juvenile subject who was involved in an argument with her mother and tried to harm herself. The officers determined she was a danger to herself and transported her to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 10:11 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area of Huntington and Monterey. Officers arrived and located the suspect vehicle occupied by an adult male, adult female, and a child. Officers made contact with the vehicle and the occupants. The male and female subject were arrested and taken into custody.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 11:47 p.m., a resident in the area of Myrtle and Hillcrest called to report hearing a vehicle collision. Officers arrived and located an abandoned vehicle with fresh collision damage. A male and a female adults subjects nearby admitted to being in the vehicle. The male adult admitted to being the driver. A DUI investigation revealed he was under the influence. The male was arrested for DUI and the female subject was arrested for being drunk in public. They were both transported to the MPD jail and held for a sobering period.

City Council and Mayoral Candidates Forum

 Here are some comments that stood out to me in tonight's City Council and Mayoral Candidate Forum, and here is the full video of the forum.

City Council Candidates Forum

Three candidates for the two open City Council seats were present, Edward Belden, Sergio Jimenez (incumbent), and Jesus Rojas. A fourth candidate, Antoinet Mushet, did not attend.

Rojas said that as a police officer (for El Monte) his top concern is public safety. He said he wants to make sure the police and fire departments have the resources they need. He said the Monrovia Police Department is short on officers, that he would work to get the department its own armored vehicle (currently, he said, it shares with other jurisdictions), and would work to get more license plate reading cameras around town. El Monte, he said, has far more such cameras, and they have dramatically cut down the amount of time it takes to solve crimes. He said he'd like to work with the school district to increase police presence on school campuses and have officers patrol the Metro trains. Also, he said, he wants to make sure the fire department has the tools it needs to fight fires on the top floors on the new, higher buildings in town.

Jimenez said he wants to keep working to prevent the "New-York-ization" of Monrovia. He said it is hard to fight Sacramento's decrees, but at least it should be possible to prevent high levels of development in selected areas. Also, he would like to see more electric vehicle charging stations around town to help the environment.

Belden said he is familiar with finance, being a project manager for multi-million dollar projects and the treasurer of various non-profits. He would like to reduce carbon emissions in city buildings and vehicles. He said his top priority would be safety, but "you can't be safe without a home," so he would put affordable housing as his number one priority.

All three candidates said they support ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units, aka "granny flats") as a way to provide lower-cost housing, and they would also require developers of multi-unit housing projects to provide a percentage of low-income housing. They also all expressed concern about the short-term rental of single family homes (as through Airbnb) if they are used as party houses. Rojas suggested passing an ordinance regarding parties at rental houses, and perhaps fine the property owners for problems.

Mayoral Candidates Forum

Both incumbent Mayor Becky Shevlin and challenger, Council Member Larry Spicer, were present.

Spicer said he is running for mayor because the office needs "new thinking" and that he would push to get business into Station Square, while Shevlin said she believes she is the best qualified, with years of leadership experience.

Shevlin said her top priorities would be to preserve Canyon Park and the city's historic homes, helping to create more historic districts, which have some legal protection against Sacramento's overruling of local zoning ordinances. Spicer said his top priority would be affordable housing.

Both agreed on the importance of public safety, affordable housing, and addressing homelessness. When asked how they differed from each other, Shevlin said she only recalls their voting differently once, on a vote of No Confidence on District Attorney George Gascón. She didn't say which way they each voted.

Regarding Station Square, Shevlin said when there are more people circulating in the area that should make a restaurant viable. Spicer said that twice a year he would host young entrepreneurs at Station Square to see what they might propose. He would like to bring the Old Town feel to Station Square.

Regarding diveresity, Spicer said he would like more African Americans on city staff so it is a replica of the community. Shevlin said the city tries to be as diverse as possible, and always invites everyone.

Spicer suggested that a commercial building could be used to house the homeless. He added that one building owner he talked to was open to the possibility but was concerned about drugs and the cost of making repairs. Shevlin said her homelessness focus is on prevention - using education, preparing people for jobs, addressing mental health and substance abuse problems.

To promote community involvement Spicer basically suggested parties. If you make it fun, he said, and include food, people will show up. He added that for seniors he'd like to provide food for them each month from a different restaurant; that and provide more trips and activities.

Someone asked how the city could be more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Shevlin said all city programs are open to everybody. Spicer said the city should provide more programs surrounding Pride Month, and promote it as it does for others.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Altalia Pizzeria

Dinner from Altalia Pizzeria, in the little shopping center at the corner of Madison and Foothill. Got a medium Spinach White Pizza for the happy hour price of $18.86 and a half order of antipasto salad for $8.05. Plenty for two people and we had both pizza and salad left over. Very good pizza! By the way, this is strictly a takeout place; there’s no seating.

- Brad Haugaard 

Shooting Victim Identified as Ahmed Marwan Najjar, 27, of Glendora

The man who was shot to death in the parking lot behind the businesses at the northeast corner of Olive and Myrtle was Ahmed Marwan Najjar, 27, of Glendora, according to MyNewsLA.com. If you have any information about the shooting, call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers (800-222-8477) or lacrimestoppers.org. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Utility Box Artists Needed

The City of Monrovia has five utility boxes that need painting - artistically. Artists can apply for the Art on the Box program, which will pay artists $700 to enhance utility boxes.

Requirements:

• Design must reflect My Monrovia theme.
• Design must be submitted on the template provided.
• Colors on the rendering should be representative of the final colors.
• Design must be original and cannot infringe upon any copyright or trademark.
• Design must be family friendly.

Box Locations:

• 1005 S. Myrtle Ave.
• 110 E. Olive Ave.
• 198 S. Primrose Ave.
• 111 W. Colorado Blvd.
• 100 W. Lemon Ave.

Submittal Requirements:

• Open to residents and non-residents of all ages.
• Email completed application to Kerri Zessau at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us with the subject line reading "2024 Art on the Box Application."
• Artists may submit up to two designs.
• Incomplete applications or applications received after the due date will be disqualified.

Design Selection:

• The Art in Public Places Committee will review and select the designs.
• Artists will be notified on April 18, 2024 if their design was selected.
• Designs will be evaluated on originality, creativity, quality and relativity in reflecting this year’s theme.

To download the PDF Application Form, click here.  For questions, contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Candidate Forum Tomorrow at 6:30 PM

Tomorrow, Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., there will be mayoral and city council candidate forums in the City Council Chambers at Monrovia City Hall, 415 S Ivy Ave, Monrovia. The public is invited to attend and submit written questions for the candidates. The forum will be aired by KGEM. The forum is being hosted by the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by the League of Women Voters. For questions call 358-1159 ext. 11 or write jo@monroviacc.com

- Brad Haugaard

Delilah - 60 Pound Snuggler Lap Dog

Beautiful Delilah is a two-year-old Shepherd mix who is ready to provide all the cuddles you can handle! She may weigh sixty pounds, but she thinks she’s still a lap dog!

Delilah was quite nervous when she arrived to the shelter, but she has absolutely thrived in her foster home. Her foster family reports that she is so much fun! She’s an amazing snuggler- that seems to be her favorite thing to do. She’s also an avid hiker- she loves getting out and exploring the world.

Delilah is also very smart- she has learned many training cues and really seems to enjoy learning new ones- she's a people-pleaser who will be a star in a training class.

Delilah has even gotten to know a few cats and seems to enjoy their company. With a gradual introduction, she can get along with most anyone!

Delilah is ready to find her forever snuggle-buddy- maybe that’s you?

Sir Patrick and all other animals over 6 months old can be adopted for only $14 from February 8 – 18, during Pasadena Humane’s Make Your Heart Happy-Adopt A Pet promotion!

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 at pasadenahumane.org. Daily adoption appointments can be scheduled online. New adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in appointments are available daily from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Check website for details. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

African American Artists at Community Center

- Brad Haugaard

Overturned Big Rig Blocks Eastbound 210 in Monrovia

An overturned big rig blocked three eastbound 210 lanes near Huntington Drive in Monrovia this morning. Six vehicles, including three big rigs, were involved in the crash, according to news reports. The accident apparently happened when one truck hit a freeway wall, knocking cement onto the road. Details. More details. 

- Brad Haugaard

School Board Asks Community For Help in Selecting a New School Superintendent

In a letter to the community, Monrovia School Board President Jennifer Anderson asks people to "attend a meeting to assist us in the selection of our new superintendent. It is really important for us to hear from parents, students, employees, members of the community, and representatives from local agencies. We hope you will be able to attend the following meeting with consultants Ms. Pat Puleo and Mr. Joel Shapiro of The Cosca Group."

She adds that, "The purpose of the meeting is to inform you of the process, identify the strengths and needs of the district, and receive input regarding the desired characteristics of our new superintendent."

Meetings are ...

AM Meeting:
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 7
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: District Office Board Room

PM Meeting:
Date: Friday, Feb. 9
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: District Office Board Room

You may also submit written comments to The Cosca Group here (in English) and here (en Español).

- Brad Haugaard

Job and Resource Fair Feb. 29

Monrovia Community Job and Resource Fair at Monrovia Adult School, 920 S. Mountain, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information email Armenag.chemsian@edd.ca.gov or call 304-7919.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: 1900 Monrovia High Football Team

1900 Monrovia High School football team. Tough looking guys, and is that the coach riding a donkey? Taken on south side of Keefer Building at Myrtle and Lemon. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

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

Gem City Grill Co-Owner Posts About Shooting Behind Bar

Posted by Tricia Brown Hobbs on the Monrovia Messenger Facebook page:

Dear Monrovia,

My name is Tricia and I am one of the owners of Gem City Grill at 115-117 East Olive.

In the early morning of Saturday, February 3, 2024 a shooting occurred in the parking lot to the rear of our business. Unfortunately, we were sad to learn that the victim lost his life. I am heartbroken that this senseless violence has cut short a young man’s life and has also ruined another, the shooter’s. The victim was not a customer of our establishment, and this shooting did not occur inside our bar.

I myself am a lifelong Monrovian. I love our city and the wonderful people in our community. I am grateful to own a home here, and I am proud to have reopened a long standing business here after Covid shut our world down. Our establishment has a rich and long history in Monrovia, having been a bar since at least the early 50’s. In 2017 a shooting did occur inside of Gem City Grill, while it was under previous ownership. My partners and I have worked hard over the past three years to clean up Gem City Grill and repair its past reputation. We are proud of the relationships we have built with MPD, our residential neighbors, and our neighboring businesses. We will continue to strive for a safe, neighborhood bar.

For all patrons that are coming in to support us, please remember… we are 21+ only. Whether you are 21 or 101, you need to have a valid ID on your person and be prepared to have it scanned by our IDetect Scanner when asked.

I want to personally thank all of you that have supported our small business and will continue to support us. And if we haven’t met yet, I hope you stop by and give us a try. My amazing staff and I look forward to serving you soon!

- Brad Haugaard

Man Killed Saturday Morning in Parking Lot Behind 100 Block of East Olive

A man was shot and killed about 1:30 this morning during a fight in the parking lot behind the Gem City Grill, on the 100 block of East Olive. Sheriff’s officials said there were multiple calls of a fight at the location. If you have any information about the shooting, call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers (800-222-8477) or lacrimestoppers.org. Details.

City Manager Dylan Feik added: "As Monrovia PD was responding to this call, other area agencies helped ensure we had sufficient law enforcement throughout the rest of the City. I wish to give a special thanks to the police departments of Arcadia, Irwindale and Sierra Madre for their assistance. And of course, our amazing team of dispatchers, officers and MPD staff did a superb job and I can't thank them enough. " 

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager Reports on Bradoaks School Fire

Firefighters visited Bradoaks children following fire.

City Manager Dylan Feik reports a cause has not yet been determined for the Bradoaks School fire and the investigation could last for days or even months. The fire caused major damage to a couple classrooms and damaged several others. Staff, teachers and administrators reorganized six new classrooms and two instructional area rooms for the students, and classes were back in session the following day. On Thursday, firefighters hung out with the kids to make sure everyone felt safe. 

Bradoaks PTA will host "80s Glow in the Dark Family Dance," and all proceeds will go towards rebuilding their classrooms. Tickets here.  Or, you may donate directly using Venmo, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Black History Month Events

This month the city and Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will celebrate Black History Month.

 Events:

• Kick Off, Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Duarte Museum (777 Encanto Parkway, Duarte)
• Fit Fair and Clinic, Saturday, Feb. 10 at 9 a.m. at the Community Center
• Youth Celebration Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Library
• Luncheon and Art Exhibit Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Second Baptist Church (925 S Shamrock Ave.)

- Brad Haugaard

Statement of Mayoral Candidate Becky Shevlin

Re-Elect Becky Shevlin for Monrovia Mayor

Vision, Commitment, Passion, and Accessibility are core values I bring in representing all Monrovians. Although a partial list, we can look forward to continued infrastructure maintenance; the reopening of an improved Canyon Park; exciting additions to our Library to provide innovative outdoor programming; and plans are progressing for much needed renovations to our Community Center. We are embarking on new green energy options through the Clean Power Alliance and have taken action to provide a mental health crisis mobile response team. There is much to look forward to and continued work is needed to begin, complete and sustain our goals; together we will be ready! I will continue to be accessible, to set a positive tone of inclusion and representation and promise to continue to lead by example to serve, educate, and engage all Monrovians and especially our most vulnerable. I will continue to work collaboratively as a team through City Council, City Staff and Commissions, constituents, local and regional representation for the betterment of all.

Community Involvement –

Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board Council Liaison

Monrovia Chamber Governing Board and Government Affairs Council Liaison

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Board Member Council Liaison

Clifton Middle School Adopt-A-School Council Liaison

Monrovia Community Coordinating Council – Past President and

current Secretary and Calendar Coordinator

Monrovia Reads Board Member (having also served in all Executive Board positions)

Monrovia Guild of Monrovia of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Parliamentarian (having also served

as President and Vice President)

Member of Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, Monrovia Historical Society, Monrovia

Historical Museum, Friends of the Monrovia Library, and Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni

Association


Regional Representation –

SGV Council of Governments Immediate Past President; Homelessness Committee

Chair; Capital Projects and Construction Committee Member

Los Angeles County Blue-Ribbon Commission on Homelessness Executive Committee

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts 15 and 22 Board of Directors Member

SGV Regional Housing Trust Vice Chair

SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees President

Foothill Transit Executive Board Vice President

Southern California Association of Governments Community, Economic & Human Development Committee Member

I humbly ask that you re-elect me as your Mayor on March 5, 2024. Let’s keep the momentum going! Thank You - Becky Shevlin (626)253-0072; beckyshevlin@gmail.com; www.vote4becky.com; https://www.facebook.com/vote4beckyshevlin/

City Council: City Interested in North Monrovia Property; Streamlining Review of Multi-Family Dwellings; Raise Council Pay; Pat Ostrye - Neighborhood Treasure; Black History Month

On its next meeting day (main agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Discuss in a special closed meeting, "Price and Terms of Payment" for a hillside property virtually surrounded by houses in north Monrovia. In the same closed session it will review the performance of City Manager Dylan Feik. Details. 

~ Hold a study session on "proposed amendments to Monrovia municipal code: streamlining review of multifamily residential development in multiple-family residential and neighborhood commercial zones," (details), then vote on it in the regular City Council meeting. Details. 

~  Vote on whether to bump the City Council members' pay up from $400 to $1,275 per month, or $15,300 a year. The measure would raise the pay for the City Clerk and City Treasurer to the same level. Details.  

~  Vote weather to authorize $19,000 to create a Neighborhood Treasure Landmark honoring former Mayor Pat Ostrye. Details. 

~  Proclaim February as Black History Month. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Scammed Out of $6,000 by Fake Tech Support; Robbery Suspect Arrested; Employee Attacks Manager When Fired; Drunks; Etc

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 25 – 31. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 346 service events, resulting in 67 investigations. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
January 25 at 11:05 a.m., officers were dispatched to a shopping center in the 100 block of W. Huntington regarding an intoxicated male subject. Officers arrived and locate the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
January 25 at 12:20 p.m. fraud was reported in the 600 block of W. Palm. The victim reported that she responded to she received check from an online platform as a form of payment. The checks were fraudulent and overdrew the victim’s account. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
January 25 at 2:46 p.m., a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported a theft that had occurred the day before. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 25 at 11:56 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Duarte and Myrtle. The suspect vehicle and driver were located in the 200 block of W. Colorado. Officers made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Fraud
January 26 at 12:02 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of E. Maple reported that she was scammed out of $6,000 in gift cards. She was having computer issues and called a number she found using Google for tech support and the person on the phone told her to purchase those gift card. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
January 26 at 2:14 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of May called to report that five to six Amazon packages were stolen from her front door. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 26 at 2:37 p.m., officers responded to the area of Myrtle and Duarte regarding a hit and run traffic collision. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 10:11 p.m., while patrolling the area of Peck and Clark and officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who displayed symptoms of being under the influence with the driver’s child inside the vehicle. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 1:11 a.m., officers were patrolling the 600 block of S. Shamrock when the officer located multiple subjects throughout the park after hours, in violation of the city's municipal code. The subjects were arrested, cited and released at the scene.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 1:32 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to advise a male subject stole had stolen merchandise. Officers arrived and located the subject who admitted to stealing. The items were recovered. He was arrested, cited and released in the field.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 4:18 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject was confronted for shoplifting, the suspect brandished a knife, and left the business. The suspect was gone prior to officers’ arrival, but was located later in the day and positively identified by the loss prevention officers. He was found to be in possession of knives and a BB gun resembling a real firearm. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 12:04 a.m., residents in the 900 block of W. Colorado called to report a solo traffic collision into the wall of a home. A child inside the home suffered non-life threatening injuries. The child as transported to a hospital for treatment. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 1:52 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Huntington when they saw a vehicle stopped in the middle of the intersection with its hazard lights on. The officer stopped and found the driver was working for Uber, and the passenger had vomited inside the car. The passenger was found to be so heavily intoxicated that he was unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 6:13 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported a male subject outside the location was possibly smoking narcotics and drinking in public. He was asked to leave but he refused. Officers arrived and located the subject who was in possession of an open container of alcohol. An investigation revealed he was intoxicated in public. He was arrested and found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Missing Located
January 29 at 3:54 a.m., officers were alerted to a missing person in a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and located the female subject. She was removed from the missing person system.

Battery
January 29 at 7:55 a.m., a manager of a business in the 1600 block of California called to report that one of his employees had just assaulted him after being notified that he was fired. The suspect was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.

Burglary
January 29 at 12:13 p.m., a representative of a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington called to report that one of their storage rooms had been burglarized and a large amount items were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 29 at 7:41 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Magnolia and Evergreen. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
January 29 at 8:47 p.m., a commercial burglary was reported in the 400 block of W. Chestnut. The owner reported that items were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Battery
January 29 at 10:10 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of S. Primrose reported a battery. The victim stated that she was involved in a verbal argument with a male subject who physically hit her in the head several times. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
January 30 at 7:11 p.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Duarte reported that a male subject walked in and took the money tray from the dispenser and left. This investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 9:41 pm, several callers in the area of Central and Mountain reported a traffic collision. One of the callers described a female subject who was attempting to flee on foot. Officers arrived and located the female subject who displayed symptoms of being under the influence a short distance away. A DUI investigation revealed she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Structure Fire
January 31 at 7:41 a.m., a structure fire was reported in a school in the 900 block of E. Lemon Ave. Police and Fire personnel were dispatched. All students and staff were safely evacuated and the fire was extinguished. Fire investigators will work on determining the cause of the fire.

Vehicle Burglary
January 31 at 6:37 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of E. Huntington called to report that her motorhome was burglarized. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Identity Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 7:29 p.m., a loss prevention officer from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a subject who had stolen items. Officers arrived and located the subject a short distance away. The subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, identifications belonging to another person, and stolen property. He was arrested and taken into custody.