Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Police Department will conduct a driver’s license enforcement program on Thursday, April 3, 2008. This enforcement detail will be deployed throughout the City of Pasadena during the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

“It has been shown that there is a direct correlation between hit and run accidents and unlicensed drivers. It is our intent to abate the number of hit and run collisions by enforcing the driving laws of the state,” says Acting Chief of Police Christopher Vicino. It is the goal of the Pasadena Police Department to protect motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians from unlicensed drivers.

Statistics bear out that the majority if hit and run collisions are a result of a driver being unlicensed. Many unlicensed drivers flee the scene after a collision for fear of being cited, jailed or knowing their vehicle will be impounded for 30 days. The Pasadena Police Department conducts these operations on a regular basis with the primary goal to reduce deaths, injuries and financial losses related to hit and run collisions.

To view the PDF version of this media release, click: Pasadena Police Department Conducts Driver’s License Enforcement Program

PASADENA, CA –  On Monday, March 24th, a jogger at the Rose Bowl called the Pasadena Police Department and reported that a person was seen in a car acting suspiciously in one of the parking lots.  Officers responded and discovered that a vehicle had been burglarized; however, the reported suspicious vehicle had left.  On Tuesday, March 25th, the incident was discussed in day watch briefing, and the description of the suspect vehicle was given.  A civilian Park Safety Specialist reported seeing the same car in the parking lot of Eaton Canyon Nature Center on Monday afternoon.   At about 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, a second Park Safety Specialist spotted the suspect vehicle in Lot “D” of the Rose Bowl.  She followed the vehicle as it left the Bowl area and made a broadcast of her observations.  Patrol officers responded and initiated a traffic stop at Forest and Stanton.  Because the suspect was on parole a search of his vehicle was conducted and several expensive electronic devices, including cell phones and cameras were discovered.   In conjunction with his parole officer, a search of the suspect’s residence was conducted and additional property was discovered that police detectives believe is stolen.   Erick Augmon, 39, of Pasadena was arrested on charges of auto burglary and receiving stolen property.¼br> Several expensive watches, numerous Ipods, Iphones, expensive brand-name sunglasses, a laptop computer, and cash were seized by detectives who are looking to identify and return the property to the rightful owners.  Total value of recovered property is estimated in excess of $100,000.  Any theft victim who believes that any of the items recovered might be theirs can call the Pasadena Police Department Detective sections at 626.744.4522.  Photos attached.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Serial Burglar Arreste Police Seek Help in Identifying Property

PASADENA, CA – At a little after 10:00 a.m. the Pasadena Police Department responded to a call from a resident in the 200 Block of Stanton Street who reported that his neighbor had just fired a rifle at him and his wife and had then retreated back to his home.  Police officers responded within minutes and attempted to make contact with the suspect who refused to comply with the officers’ requests to come out of the house.   

After about five and a half hours, the suspect surrendered after the department deployed a flash bang device into the home.  Derek Mark Horton, 50, of Pasadena came out of the house to surrender and was taken into custody without further incident.

The male victim did receive a superficial wound and was taken to a local hospital for observation.  His wife was not injured.  “This was a traumatic incident for this family,” says acting Chief of Police Christopher Vicino.  “This certainly could have been a more serious incident and we are relieved that it came to a final resolution without serious injury.”

The case is under investigation and the motive for the shooting has yet to be determined.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release, click: Barricaded Suspect in Custody

Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Police Traffic Section is pleased to accept a contribution in the amount of $12,980 from State Farm Insurance in conjunction with their “Good Neighbor Citizenship” program.   “This funding is earmarked for two critical operations.  One is a crucial preventative program that is sponsored by the Pasadena Police Department,” says Acting Chief of Police Christopher Vicino.  “We are vitally concerned about the health and welfare of young people and this funding helps us move beyond enforcement to education and prevention programs aimed at youth and young adults that we believe saves lives.”

“Every Fifteen Minutes”, is an intensive two-day, interactive drinking and driving awareness program directed at teenage drivers. It simulates a collision caused by a teenage drunken driver and the aftermath it causes.  This year’s program will be conducted at Maranatha High School on April 10 and 11.  

Funds will also be used for the purchase of the latest technology in collision reconstruction software. The program is Visual Statements FX2 which enables the traffic section investigators to reconstruct major traffic collisions which helps to determine causes of accidents and develop preventative measures.
¼br> The Pasadena Police Department’s Traffic Section has had a four –year partnership with State Farm Insurance. Their support over the years has benefited numerous students at La Salle, Marshall Fundamental and Blair High Schools through funding for the “Every 15 Minutes” program.    

To view the PDF version of this Press Release, click:Pasadena Police Department’s “Every Fifteen Minutes” program receives funding from State Farm Insurance, fourth consecutive year

PASADENA, CA - The Pasadena Police Department will conduct a DUI Enforcement Check Point on Friday, March 14, 2008.  The hours of operation will be conducted between the hours of 7:00 pm – 3:00 am.  “The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that typically occur around this time include a lot of drinking,” says Acting Chief of Police Christopher Vicino.  “It is our intent to keep drunk drivers off the roads and this program is a proven and effective tool for achieving the Pasadena Police Department’s goal of removing impaired drivers from our streets.”

 The potential for an impaired driver to become involved in a traffic collision is greater due to a driver’s slowed response or poor decision making while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  These types of enforcement programs also provides the police department an opportunity to educate the driving public in regards to safer driving habits and the consequences of drinking and driving.

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

To view the PDF version of this Press Release, click:  Pasadena Police Department Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint

PASADENA, CA – On March 8, 2008, the Pasadena Police Department, Special Investigations Unit conducted a Minor Decoy Operation at various licensed liquor establishments in the city.  The minor attempted to purchase alcohol from eleven establishments, one of which sold alcohol to the minor.  The establishment that made the sale was Margarita Jones, located at 541 S. Arroyo Pkwy.  Under the Minor Decoy operation, the minor must be under 20, must have the appearance of a minor and must answer truthfully if asked their age. Those who sell alcohol to a minor face a fine and/or community service for the first violation. In addition, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will take administrative action against the business’s liquor license. That may include a fine, a suspension of the liquor license, or permanent revocation of the license.

ABC is conducting the compliance checks state-wide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.  Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken driving fatalities than the general adult population. 

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980’s.  When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent.  When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below. 

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.  Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.

ABC is a department of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Sunne Wright McPeak, a member of the Governor’s Cabinet.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Minor Decoy Operation

Pasadena, CA - On Saturday, March 8, 2008, twenty-two Pasadena area elementary school age children will graduate from the Pasadena Police Department’s 14th Kids Safety Academy. The event will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Tournament of Roses at 391 So. Orange Grove Blvd.

The Pasadena Police Kids Safety Academy is a 7 session safety program offered to students between the ages of 6 – 11 and their parent(s).   The program participants learn basic safety rules that apply to emergencies, strangers, fire, swimming & pools, bicycles, wildlife and the outdoors as well as rules on taking care of the environment.  The sessions are held at topic specific locations with the community, such as the fire department, Aquatics Center and Nature Center.

Ten year old Miranda Allen, graduated from the Kids Safety Academy last August. Inspired by what she learned in the class she began her own re-cycling effort.  In the last six months Miranda has earned nearly $1,400 by recycling cans and has motivated her family, friends, neighbors and school to start their own recycling efforts.   Miranda has used the money she has earned to buy a few fun items, but has also donated some of her hard earned money back to charity.    “When children are provided the opportunity and have encouragement they can make a difference in a big way” says Stella Franco Allen, Miranda’s mother.  Miranda Allen will attend Saturday’s graduation to make a donation to the Pasadena Police Foundation.

The Kids Safety Academy is funded in it’s entirety through the efforts of the Pasadena Police Foundation.

To View the PDF Version of this Press Release click:  Pasadena Police “Kids Safety Academy” Inspires Kids to Make a Difference

PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena Police Department announced today that search warrants were served at three locations in Pasadena and one location in Duarte. As a result, seven suspected gang members were arrested in connection with a stabbing that occurred in the 900 Blk. of E. Washington Blvd., on February 10, 2008.

Six male adult suspects, all admitted gang members were arrested in the early morning hours on February 28, 2008 by Pasadena Police Detectives and SWAT Team members. A seventh suspect was arrested on March 4^th. Several of the suspects also face probation and parole violations.

The suspects were arrested in connection with the stabbing and beating of three individuals who were attacked while fueling their car at an area service station at 2:00 a.m., on February 10^th. Although the injuries to one of the victims were serious, all are expected to survive.
 
 “These search warrants and arrests are a testament to the spirit of cooperation between our community and the Police Department. Our Detectives have worked hard for the last 2 weeks to solve this case.” says Chief of Police Chris Vicino. “We are keeping our commitment to the community to aggressively pursue those who attack our youth.”

To View the PDF Version of this Press Release click:Pasadena Police Announce Gang Arrests

PASADENA, CA - On March 5, 2008 Pasadena Police Detectives announced that charges were filed against a 17 year-old juvenile student from Blair High School who brandished a firearm on campus, on February 29, 2008. The incident resulted in a 6-hour containment of the school campus by Pasadena Police as they searched for the gunman. Detectives credit eyewitness statements and the use of a Police canine on campus in aiding their investigation.

Pasadena Police located a weapon at the suspect’s home during the service of a Search Warrant.

Criminal Threats with a handgun (felony), Gang Allegations (felony), Minor in Possession of a gun (felony), and Minor in Possession of Ammunition (misdemeanor) were filed by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. 

The juvenile remains in custody at Juvenile Hall. 

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Charges Filed in Blair High School Incident

Pasadena- On February 29, 2008 at 9:22 am, the police department responded to Blair High School, 1201 S. Marengo Avenue, in regards to a reported man with a gun.  A student reported to faculty members that a person was observed walking on the campus with a gun in his waist band.  The school immediately sequestered all the children in place while police arrived according to a pre arranged plan for such incidents.  Phone communication was maintained in the classrooms as information developed.   

As officers arrived, containment was initiated, and a room by room search of the premises and students was conducted to find the gunman. Parents were asked to stage at the Staples parking lot located at 875 S. Arroyo Parkway while the search and investigation went forward.  

The search of the large campus with about 1200 students concluded at about 5:00 pm when children and parents were allowed to reunite in front of the school.  No firearm was recovered. 

The investigation has identified a male student who has been taken into custody for a minor possessing a firearm.  The suspect’s arrest does not conclude the investigation as additional searching may take place at a later time.  No one was injured during this incident. 

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Blair High School Incident