PASADENA, CA - The Pasadena Police Department will be conducting an illegal street racing enforcement detail on Monday, August 31, 2009, designed to eradicate street racing by citing and impounding illegally modified cars.  This enforcement detail will be deployed in the City of Pasadena.  The hours of operation will be from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

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

“Street racing kills,” says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “Many times the victims are innocent drivers or uninvolved bystanders.    This program is an effective tool for achieving the Pasadena Police Department’s goal of reducing the number of traffic collisions resulting from illegal street racing.  The funding we receive allows us to run these operations and ensure the safety of our city streets.” 

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT

PASADENA, CA –   Pasadena Police announced today that the District Attorney filed murder and torture charges against the mother and her boyfriend in the death of the mother’s 2 year-old toddler.  Maria Pelaez, 29 and Gabriel Diaz, 32 were charged with taping the feet, legs and arms of Rene Torres on the night of August 17, 2009. During the course of the night, the child died of asphyxiation.

Rene Torres was initially found deceased by paramedics in the 500 block of Summit Avenue at 6:00 AM Tuesday morning after suspect Pelaez called 911 claiming the toddler had stopped breathing.  During the course of the investigation and subsequent interviews, the suspects admitted that they had repeatedly restrained the toddler with tape over the last several months as a form of discipline. On occasion the victim’s mouth was also taped.  Evidence indicated that the victim had died earlier, either late in the evening prior, or earlier that morning.   Detectives searched the residence and located articles of clothing belonging to the victim which had been bound by tape. 

Bail for both suspects is set at $2 million.

911 Tapes Audio Recording (.wma files)

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To view the PDF version of this Press Release click Couple Charged with Murder and Torture of Child

PASADENA, CA –   Pasadena Police announced today the arrest of a mother and her boyfriend in the death of their 2 year-old toddler. Maria Pelaez, 29,  and Gabriel Diaz,  32, both of Pasadena were arrested last night. Detectives are investigating the case as a homicide.

Rene Torres was found deceased by paramedics in the 500 block of Summit Avenue at 6:00 AM yesterday after his mother called 911. The suspicious nature of the toddler’s death led Detectives to open an investigation in the case. The suspects were arrested after interviews and examination of evidence pointed to foul play. Their bail is $1 million dollars each. Detectives are continuing their investigation and awaiting the results of the autopsy.

“It is standard procedure to begin an investigation into the death of any individual that has died suddenly with no apparent causes, particularly the deaths of children,” said Chief Melekian.  “It is unfortunate that too many times, we find that children have died at the hands of another and it is particularly disturbing when the evidence leads us to those who are the primary caretakers.” 

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click Death of Two Year-Old Investigated as Homicide Mother, Boyfriend Arrested

  
   Marcus A. Mattox

PASADENA, CA – On Friday August 14, 2009, the Pasadena Police Department arrested a suspect responsible for a residential burglary in the 1000 block of South El Molino Avenue that occurred on August 8, 2009.  Three handguns were stolen in that burglary along with jewelry and electronic items, none of which have been recovered. 

Pasadena Police Forensic personnel were able to locate fingerprints belonging to Marcus A. Mattox, 23 years old from Pasadena, inside the victim’s residence.  Mattox is currently on parole for burglary and has other felony arrests in his background.  “Mr. Mattox is a career criminal”, says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “We believe that he could possibly be responsible for other burglaries. Therefore, we are providing his photograph just in case someone has seen him either in the area of this burglary or in other areas where burglaries have occurred. With more and more parolees being released, we will need to rely on the public’s help in assisting us to identify and incarcerate those people who habitually re-offend.”

The investigation is on-going at this time.  Any one who may have seen Mattox in areas where burglaries have occurred are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Marie Sell at 626-744-3816 or Detective George Vidal at 626-744-7108.

To View the PDF version of this Press Release click Parolee Arrested for Suspected Burglary

 PASADENA, CA –   At a little after 6:00 a.m this morning, Pasadena Police officers responded to a call of a baby not breathing in the 500 block of Summit Avenue.  First responders arrived and were unable to revive the two year old boy.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Detectives responded and the incident is under investigation.

 “The death of a baby is always tragic, “ says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “In cases like this, it is standard procedure to try and find out what happened and we will continue our investigation to do just that.”

The cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles Coroner’s office. 

 To view the PDF version of this Press Release click Two Year Old Baby Boy Dies

 

PASADENA, CA –   Pasadena Police officers responded to a call of  “Shots Fired” at a party in the 500 block of Westgate last night at 10:30 PM. Officers located a female victim, 17 years of age, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Pasadena Police Detectives responded to the scene to investigate and believe the victim was not the intended target. 

The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Pasadena Police Detective Section at (626) 744-4522.

To view the PDF Version of this Press Release click Attempt Homicide

PASADENA, CA –   Pasadena Police announced the arrest of double murder suspect Manuel Penaloza after receiving information that Mexican Federal Agents and the U.S. Marshalls arrested Penaloza in Mexico.
 U.S. Marshalls flew a team to Mexico on August 6, 2009 and met up with Mexican Federal Agents after receiving a tip that Penaloza was hiding in the small town of Zorcua, Guerrero (Mexico). A team of agents flew to that location, set up surveillance, spotted Penaloza and arrested him without incident.
 Penaloza is wanted in connection with the October 2006 double homicide that occurred near the intersection of Colorado and San Rafael boulevards. During that incident a Good Samaritan stopped by to help Penaloza believing that he had been injured during what appeared to be an auto accident. The Good Samaritan, instead, was severely beaten and dragged by the vehicle in which Penaloza was driving. Based on later information from informants and additional tipster information from America’s Most Wanted TV show,   Detectives learned that Penaloza immediately fled to Mexico after the murders.
 “This is an outstanding example of collaboration between our Detective Bureau and local, state and federal agencies,” said Pasadena Police Chief Bernard Melekian. “The U.S. Marshalls, LAPD Detectives, the California Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit, the District Attorney’s Office and the Mexican Federal Police worked together to make this arrest possible.”

Penaloza is currently being held in a federal detention center in Mexico City awaiting extradition hearings.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click Homicide Arrest

PASADENA, CA –   Pasadena Police announced the arrest of the suspect wanted in connection with the stabbing of a man earlier in the week near the intersection of Fair Oaks and Orange Grove Blvd. Elvin Estrada (Male adult, 24 years, and Pasadena resident) was apprehended hiding in a residence in Succasunna, New Jersey yesterday at 5:00 PM (PST).

Acting on tips from the public that indicated Estrada had fled the state, police Detectives and the Pasadena Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU) contacted the U.S Marshall’s Office for assistance. Estrada was tracked through Texas, Georgia and finally New Jersey where agents made the arrest. U.S. Marshalls apprehended Estrada without incident inside a residence believed to belong to a relative of Estrada. At the time of the arrest Estrada was armed with a knife but offered no resistance.

Estrada is believed to have stabbed Mario Sanchez Pacheco on July 16, 2009. The motive for the killing is still unclear, Detectives said. 

Police Detectives will be working with local authorities in New Jersey to begin the extradition process to bring Estrada back to California. An arrest warrant for murder was issued for Estrada by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office on Thursday.

 “The conclusion of this case is a testament to the excellent relationship between the community of Pasadena and their police department,” says Chief Bernard Melekian.  “And it is also a warning to those who desire to commit crimes in our city: our Detectives and FAU Team are relentless in their dedication to solving cases and capturing criminals.” 

Anyone with additional information that will help with this case is asked to call the Pasadena Police Detective Section at (626) 744-4522

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click HOMICIDE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN NEW JERSEY

PASADENA, CA –  National Night Out (NNO) was held Tuesday, August 5, 2009.  The event was celebrated citywide at over twenty different block parties and gatherings. The Pasadena Police Department in collaboration with the

Villa

Parke

Community Center and our annual sponsor Target, organized the kick-off event at Villa Parke. Over 600 citizens participated in what can be described as a very successful “stepping out for a night against crime” community get-together.

  The NNO event at Villa Parke was organized by Police Specialist Arlene Ramos of Community Services.  Her efforts included applying for and obtaining a NNO Target grant of $2500. Ramos also developed a NNO committee consisting of; Kenny James - Director of Villa Parke Community Center, Bill Davis - Villa Parke Community Center, Vannia De la Cuba - Field Rep. for Vice Mayor

Victor Gordo, Lola Osborne – North West Programs, Nancy Gutierrez – Neighborhood Connections, Noel Herrera – Park Safety Specialist PPD and Christine Mason and Thomas Duenas – Target Store Managers.

  The event began at 5:30 with Mayor

Bill Bogaard, Commander Michael Korpal and Assembly Member Anthony Portantino (District 44) making opening comments.  Councilpersons

Chris Holden and

Jacque Robinson were present.  Organizations that created displays or activities for community youth and residents include:

·        Day One·        Flintridge Foundation·        North West  Programs·        Neighborhood Connections·        The Pasadena Armory ·        Us Census Bureau (City Managers Office)·        Partnership for a Drug Free America·        Target Stores·        City Library·        General Plan Project Team (City of

Pasadena)·        Social Security Office·        N.A.T.H.A.’s Lemonade Brigade (youth group)·       

Pasadena Fire Department·        Farmers Market·        Texas BBQ (catering: 600+ meals were served)·        Catholic Big Brothers and Sisters Club·        Pasadena Health Department·        Pasadena Police Department

Key to the success of the event was the overwhelming attendance of Pasadena Police Department personnel. 

·        Community Service·        Patrol Officers/Sergeants/Lieutenants·        Communication Center Dispatch·        Records·        Heliport·        NAT·        K-9·        Jail·        Detectives·        Traffic·        SES·        SIS·        PPD Volunteers and Photographers·        Command Staff 

In addition to food and music, 200 soccer balls were distributed to youth. Twenty other locations hosted by private citizens and organizations welcomed the PD with open arms.  Food and socializing with residents and kids was extraordinary at these sites.  The citizens were most pleased with the PPD response to their community gatherings.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click PASADENA CLEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL NIGHT OUT

PASADENA, CA –   At approximately 11:10 the Pasadena Police Department received a call reporting that a three-year old girl was missing from an apartment in the 1100 block of Sunset Street.  It was reported that the little girl went missing sometime between the hours of 9:30 and 11:00 this morning after a relative with whom she was staying fell asleep.

Almost immediately, the Pasadena Police department had dozens of personnel on the ground canvassing the area, knocking on doors and searching the surrounding parks.  In addition the helicopter was overhead providing air surveillance and a reverse 9-1-1 call was attempted to alert residents in the immediate and surrounding neighborhoods.  Search dogs were called in from surrounding jurisdictions.  Ultimately, the little girl was found safe at about 1:30 p.m.

“The important lesson here, is how important it is for all of us to be hyper-vigilant with our little ones,” says Chief Bernard Melekian.  “They can get away from us so quickly. I am pleased with how this department responded and even more pleased that this little girl was safely reunited with her family.”

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click PASADENA POLICE FIND MISSING THREE YEAR OLD AFTER TWO AND A HALF HOUR SEARCH