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Monrovia Police: Mother and Son Fist Fight in the Street; Cyclists Busted with Drug Paraphernalia; Man Caught Printing Copies of Driver's Licenses; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 6 – 12. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 348 service events, resulting in 74 investigations. 

Trespassing
April 6 at 12:35 a.m., the owner of a business in the 1600 block of California reported an unknown male subject lingering in the exterior of a warehouse. Officers arrived and while approaching the location saw the suspect run away out of sight. This investigation is continuing. 

Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested
April 6 at 1:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Duarte and Peck regarding the earlier trespassing call. An officer saw three suspicious subjects on bicycles. He attempted to stop them but they separated in three different directions. Officers located the three subjects, two were found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subjects in possession of drug paraphernalia were arrested, issued citations, and released at the scene with citations. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 6 at 10:57 a.m. a caller reported a suspicious subject in the 600 block of S. Shamrock. Officers arrived and located the subject. They discovered the individual had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, issued a citation, and released at the scene. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 6 at 7:02 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Magnolia and Primrose contacted a male adult subject. The subject had a felony warrant for his arrest. He was arrested without incident and transported for booking. 

Death Report
April 7 at 4:32 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. Cypress regarding a medical assist. They arrived on scene and shortly after the subject stopped breathing. The subject was later pronounced at the scene. 

Burglary
April 7 at 5:56 a.m., a victim in the 100 block of N. Madison reported their vehicle was broken into sometime during the night and items were taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
April 7 at 1:53 p.m. a witness reported a traffic collision in the area of Eighth and Duarte. Officers and Paramedics responded to check on the well-being of the occupants. One of the drivers was transported to a local hospital for injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Fight in Progress
April 7 at 6:36 p.m., a caller reported seeing two male adult subjects fighting in the 900 block of S. Monterey. Officers responded, but were unable to locate the subjects. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting
April 7 at 7:13 p.m., loss prevention for a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a customer shoplifted from the store three hours prior to him calling us. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 7 at 11:52 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 600 block of S. Mountain when she saw a motorist traveling at a high rate of speed. After stopping the driver, she discovered he was heavily intoxicated. A DUI investigation was conducted and he was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Battery
April 8 at 2:46 a.m., residents in the 200 block of E. Cherry reported two adult males had been fighting outside. Officers arrived and found both subjects were brothers. The victim refused to prosecute and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for minor facial injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Structure Fire
April 8 at 7:21 p.m., a witness in the 400 block of Linwood reported seeing smoke coming from an apartment building. Officers and MFD responded and located the smoke. The apartment was unoccupied. The fire was quickly extinguished by MFD without incident. This investigation is continuing. 

Trespassing / False ID / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 8 at 7:31 p.m., employees of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject put on new clothes, and locked himself in their bathroom. Officers arrived and were able to convince the subject to exit the bathroom. The store refused to prosecute for trespassing, however, the subject had a warrant for his arrest and provided false personal identifying information to officers. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Fraud / Possession of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
April 8 at 9:44 p.m., employees of a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject who was not a guest of the hotel was using their guest computer room to print copies of people’s driver's licenses. Officers responded and located the male with a female subject in the parking lot. The photocopies of various driver's licenses were located along with drug paraphernalia. The subjects were arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
April 8 at 10:41 p.m., a caller reported a male and female fist fighting in the 500 block of California. Officers arrived and found the two adult subjects, a mom and her son, had stopped fighting. Both refused prosecution against the other and refused to be treated by paramedics for minor visible injuries. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 9 at 9:01 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of E. Cherry regarding a family dispute. The wife was upset with her husband and started throwing items out of the house. When the husband started retrieving his property, the wife punched him. The wife was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
April 9 at 2:49 p.m., a theft of a wallet was reported in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. The victim received information that her credit cards were used at a nearby business. This investigation is continuing. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
April 9 at 5:49 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of California and Duarte. One of the parties fled the scene, leaving their license plate behind. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
April 9 at 10:00 p.m., a victim in the 1100 block of S. Fifth reported someone damaged his apartment door. Officers arrived and checked the area for the suspect but he was not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Missing Juvenile
April 10 at 2:44 a.m., a father in the 200 block of E. Cherry called to report that his juvenile son left the home with a backpack. The area was checked but he was not located. He was entered into the Missing Person System. 

Returned Missing Juveniles
April 10 at 8:14 a.m., officers responded to 200 block of E. Cherry regarding a returned missing juvenile. When officers arrived at the residence, there were three additional juveniles. One of the juveniles was a previously reported missing juvenile. Both juveniles were removed from the Missing Person System. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 10 at 10:42 a.m., an officer was extra patrolling a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. when she saw a subject wanted for making criminal threats. He was arrested, issued a citation and released at the scene. 

Drug Arrest
April 10 at 1:31 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block S. Mountain officers when they stopped to talk with one of our local transients. Further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a pipe used for smoking controlled substances. He was arrested for drug paraphernalia and released on a citation. 

Death Report
April 10 at 9:56 p.m., paramedics requested officers respond to the 800 block of W. Walnut regarding a deceased male subject. The next of kin coordinated with a mortuary to have the deceased male transported from the scene. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 7:57 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of S. Myrtle reported a group of subjects setting up camp. A computer check of one of the subjects revealed an outstanding warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Battery
April 11 at 9:04 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Central regarding a fight between two roommates. One of the roommates accused the other of stealing his medications and punched him in the face. The victim roommate refused to prosecute. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapon / Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 10:58 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Peck and Live Oak conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a red light violation. As he approached the driver, he saw a handgun case laying in the back seat. The driver admitted to having the gun on him. A search revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 11 at 12:23 p.m., officers responded to the area of Acacia and Oaks regarding a traffic collision. The vehicle collided with a power pole, causing it to lean and shut down traffic. A resident's water line was also broken and public works responded for the water shut off. This investigation is continuing. 

Battery – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 12:24 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Huntington regarding an intoxicated subject. When they arrived, they saw it was a known subject that was intoxicated. The intoxicated subject assaulted a security guard at the location. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Attempt Residential Burglary
April 11 at 1:51 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of S. Madison reported hearing her neighbor’s rear window being broken. The neighbor looked outside and saw broken glass, but no suspects. Officers arrived and checked the residence. The window screen was off and fresh pry marks were around the broken window. The suspects were unable to gain entry. This investigation is continuing. 

Attempt Shoplifting / Trespassing / Obstructing Officers – Suspect Arrested
April 11 at 8:23 p.m., an employee of a clothing store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject was in their store who has been known to shoplift. The subject was walking toward the exit doors with merchandise he did not pay for. Officers contacted the subject and he swung his fist at one officer. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 12 at 8:05 a.m., an officer was patrolling a parking lot in the 300 block of S. Peck when he saw an unoccupied vehicle. A computer check of the license plate revealed it was reported stolen in Irwindale. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and the vehicle was stored. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
April 12 at 10:46 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Shamrock & Evergreen for a traffic violation. The driver told officers he was unlicensed and on parole for robbery. A computer check revealed a warrant for traffic violations. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
April 12 at 1:35 p.m., a caller reported a hit and run traffic collision in the area of Mountain & Evergreen. The suspect vehicle fled. After units arrived on scene, LASD advised they had a traffic collision at Buena Vista & Central and had the suspect vehicle stopped. The suspect was identified by the victims. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Arson
April 12 at 2:18 p.m., a vehicle fire was reported in the area of Pomona and Ivy. Officers arrived and saw a hole in the rear passenger window with smoke coming from the back seat. The vehicle abruptly burst into flames and was extinguished by MFD. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
April 13 at 2:48 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington due to an alarm activation. They arrived and found the front window shattered. The loss is to be determined. This investigation is continuing. 

Burglary
April 13 at 2:51 a.m., officers responded to a second business in the 900 block of W. Huntington due to an alarm activation. They arrived and found the side window shattered. An employee arrived and confirmed a burglary had occurred. This investigation is continuing 

Dinner at Mimi’s


Dinner at Mimi’s, at the corner of Huntington and Mayflower. Got the Beer Battered Fish and Chips for $18.99 and an iced tea or $3.49. All tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Prince Recovering From Being Hit By Truck, Needs a Home


Prince was brought to Pasadena Humane after being hit by a truck. He was in rough shape with a serious fracture to one of his legs. The veterinary team determined that the best course of action for this sweet boy was to amputate the limb. Now that he is on the mend, the next thing this sweet boy needs is a home!

Prince is about three years old and as nice as can be. He gets around quite well already, so we suspect he’ll be running at full speed soon.

He has a cheerful disposition and a tail that never stops wagging, making him a joy to be around.

With his playful nature and infectious spirit, Prince is a reminder that it's not about the number of legs you have, but rather the size of your heart.

For the month of April, all dogs over 40 pounds have their adoption fees reduced by 50%!

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 an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. 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: Captain A.H. Johnson's 1887 Home

Home of Captain A.H. Johnson circa 1896. The house was moved from Banana (Hillcrest) near Alta Vista to 210 W Orange (Colorado). Built in 1887. The Monrovia Messenger Souvenir Edition 1897 wrote: "Capt. A.H. Johnson come from Ft. Dodge, Iowa, ten years ago to find a home in this land of sunshine. He selected Monrovia as the most desirable place to him, and built a cozy home at the corner of Orange and Magnolia Streets, where he resides with his wife and daughter. He has twenty acres of oranges and lemons in Duarte, and twelve in Monrovia, from which he receives a very comfortable revenue. Before coming to California, Capt. Johnson led a very active life, being for a number of years employed in railroad building and other public enterprises, and he is now enjoying a well-earned rest, while at the same time personally supervising the work on his fruit ranches in Monrovia and Duarte. 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

Missing Person: Joseph Sanford

Arcadia Police Department seeks your help in locating a missing  person: Joseph M. Sanford, Age 17, male black, 6'5", 180lbs, wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt, royal blue shorts and brown boots.   Last seen: Walking E/B in the 400 Blk of E. Santa Clara St on 4/9/23 at 1pm with another male subject.  Joseph does not have a cellular telephone with him, or any cash or credit cards. If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate Joseph M. Sanford, please call 911or contact the Arcadia Police Department.

Source: Arcadia Police 

- Brad Haugaard 

Happy Easter, Monrovia!





Comment: There’s an Easter service in Library Park at 10 a.m. today. Hope to see you there.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Looking for People Texting While Driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Monrovia Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“Holding your phone and using it while diving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Lt Oberon said. "Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can't reach.” 

According to the 2022 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 72% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021 the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued nearly 56,000 citations for distracted driving.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver's record.

If you have an important phone call, text, email, or in a situation with other distractions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor. putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

~ Brad Haugaard

School District to Begin Issuing Bonds; Buying 1,750 Chromebooks; Hiring Company to Manage Rentals; Employees of the Month

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Issuing $18,750,000 in general obligation bonds. This is from the $75,000,000 authorized by Monrovia voters during the last election. Details

~ Buying 1,750 Chromebooks for $781,677. Details

~ Contracting with Facilitron, Inc., to manage rental of school facilities. The company would get a 10% commission on rental fees. If fees over the course of a year are less than $100,000, the district would pay Facilitron 10% of the difference between the $100,000 and the actual income. Details

~ Honoring employees of the month for April: Sonia Rizo, Campus Assistant, Monroe Elementary; Karla Galindo, Teacher, Monroe Elementary; Natalie Ridley, Instructional Aide, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School; Dave Hart, Teacher, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School.

- Brad Haugaard

City Wants Ideas How to Showcase Monrovia to National Civic League


Monrovia has been named as one of 20 finalists for the 2023 All-America City Award by the National Civic League (NLC) in recognition of its efforts to engage residents in decision-making. The award acknowledges communities' efforts to improve young people's health and well-being by engaging them in programs and initiatives. The city previously received this award in 1995. Monrovia will present before NLC juries, which will announce the 10 winners in June.  If you have ideas how to showcase Monrovia to the juries, send them to City Manager Dylan Feik at dfeik@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard

Easter Egg Hunts - At Street Fair Tonight, at Recreation Park Tomorrow


There will be an Easter egg hunt tonight at the Monrovia Street Fair. In Raw Inspiration's Egg Hunt there will be 100 plastic eggs hidden on each street (400 total). Each egg includes a prize, and for those who find the one Golden Egg on each street, there will be a special prize by redeeming the egg with the market manager.

There will be another Easter egg hunt at Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Avenue) tomorrow, Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, face painting, wellness activities, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, toddler activities and a visit from the Spring Bunny. Details


- Brad Haugaard

Youth Can Spend a Day With Park Naturalists


Young people will have the opportunity to spend a day with Park Naturalists on Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and to leave as Junior Park Naturalists. There will be crafts, games, lunch, and participants will receive a Junior Naturalist T-Shirt, and meet some of animal ambassadors. Participants will also help  in a celebratory tree planting for Arbor Day. Registration closes Monday, April 10. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Bench Honoring Ralph Walker to be Unveiled

 A bench in memory of local KGEM TV host, Ralph Walker, will be unveiled on Friday, April 14, at 6 p.m., in front of the Monrovia Public Library. Walker passed away late last year. He was best known for his program, "Conversations with Ralph Walker," in which he interviewed many leading Monrovians. For more information contact Community Media of the Foothills at Kgemtv@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Arbor Day and Earth Day at Library Park April 22


Arbor Day and Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, from 3-6 p.m. at Library Park. Free activities: information booths, arts & crafts, face painting, story times, giveaways, and more. For more information call Community Services at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

More Shades to be Installed at Library Park Playground

Three steel and fabric shades will be installed at the Library Park playground by USA Shade. The work is expected to last two to three weeks, starting in the fall.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Compost and Mulch April 15


Free compost and mulch next Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m.-noon, at the Monrovia Public Works Yard (600 S. Mountain). Email Petra Beglarian at pbeglarian@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 932-5562 if you want to make reservations

- Brad Haugaard

Planning Commission to Consider Auto Shop Regulations

The Monrovia Planning Commission will consider recommending to the City Council an ordinance regulating automobile repair facilities. The proposed ordinance would address working outside of bays, the storage of vehicles, outdoor storage of equipment, and parking on public streets. An operations permit process is also being proposed to allow deviations from the standards with a focus on outdoor operations, outside storage, and outside storage containers. The Design Review Committee would review each application to determine if such activity may be permitted. Details

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia Police: Warrant Arrest of Woman Going Through Trash Cans; Man on School Roof Gets Mental Evaluation; Three Catalytic Converter Thefts; Vehicle Collides with Curb, Occupants Run Off; Etc.


[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 30 – April 5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 311 service events, resulting in 65 investigations. 

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
March 31 at 11:37 a.m., a resident in the area of Foothill and Stedman called to report a female subject was going through trash cans and removing items. Officers arrived and located the subject. It was discovered she had multiple warrants for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Theft
March 31 at 8:09 p.m., a caller in the 600 block of W. Huntington reported theft. This investigation is continuing. 

Mental Evaluation
March 31 at 10:38 p.m., officers were dispatched to a school facility in the 200 block of S. Ivy regarding a person on the roof. Officers arrived and with assistance from a police helicopter and MFD the subject was located. It was determined that the subject was a danger to himself and he was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 1:47 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation in the 200 block of E. Olive and conducted a traffic stop. The driver showed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol, so the officer began a DUI investigation. After standardized field sobriety tests were conducted the driver was arrested for DUI. 

Grand Theft
April 1 at 10:58 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Canyon called to report that her vehicle's catalytic converter was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 1 at 1:12 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of S. Ivy reported that his vehicle's catalytic converter was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 1 at 1:33 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Colorado called to report that his vehicle's catalytic converter was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 12:09 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a vehicle in the middle of a parking lot with a driver that appeared unresponsive. Officers arrived, contacted the driver and determined he was under the influence of drugs. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Evasion
April 2 at 3:00 a.m., while patrolling the area of California and Palm officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle who was driving with the vehicle lights off. The vehicle yielded and as the officer exited his unit the vehicle fled. The officer pursued the vehicle and the vehicle collided with a curb, disabling it. The occupants fled on foot in the area of Myrtle and Cherry and were not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
April 2 at 7:47 a.m. an officer patrolling the 100 block of E. Olive and located a vehicle that was reported stolen. The vehicle was parked and unoccupied. The officer recovered the vehicle and notified the registered owner. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 2 at 9:32 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Lemon called to report that her vehicle's catalytic converter was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 9:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Montana regarding a suspicious vehicle blocking the roadway. When they arrived, they contacted the vehicle's occupant who was intoxicated. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 12:00 a.m., an officer contacted a subject at a park in the 900 block of S. California after hours. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Mental Evaluation
April 4 at 1:13 a.m., a subject entered his neighbor's apartment through an unlocked door. The neighbor confronted the subject and held him on the floor until officers arrived. The subject, who appeared to be having a mental breakdown, was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation. 

Traffic Collision
April 4 at 1:46 p.m., a motorcycle collided into a vehicle while driving along the 600 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and determined the driver of the motorcycle was at fault and was driving without a license. The driver was cited. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 2:13 p.m., officers saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. The subject was detained and he admitted to concealing narcotics in his clothing. Officers searched the subject and located several baggies of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested, cited and released at the scene. 

Driving Under the Influence
April 5 at 1:32 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence. An investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. 

The Drought Is Over

The drought is over, according to the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.

In its Pipeline News the district says that, “While the most recent drought is effectively over, we must remember we live in a region where most years are dry, where drought will return and where climate change makes the work of water planning and delivery challenging. The reality remains that if we’re not in a drought, we are probably either getting into one or recovering from one.”

The report adds that as of April 1, the water level has increased to 204.9 feet above mean sea level, compared to 189.7 feet in March, 179.4 feet in February and 179.2 feet in January. A level between 200 and 250 feet is considered healthy.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Saigon Avenue


Dinner at Saigon Avenue, on the south side of Lemon half a block east of Myrtle. Got the sautéed chicken sandwich for $11 and a beer for $6. Nice.

- Brad Haugaard 

Easter Service 10 a.m. at Library Park

- Brad Haugaard