The Pasadena Police Department will be conducting a DUI Saturation program on Friday August 29, 2008.  This enforcement program will be deployed throughout the Pasadena area.  The hours of operation will be between 7:00 pm – 3:00 am.

This program is an effective tool for achieving the Pasadena Police Department’s goal
of reducing impaired/drunk driving related accidents and associated injuries.  These programs also educate the public in regards to safer driving habits and consequences of drinking and driving.  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. 

 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: PPD DUI Saturation Enforcement Detail

PASADENA, CA –  On the evening on August 19th, at about 9:45 p.m. the Pasadena Police Department responded to the 1800 block of East Villa Street to a report of shots fired and a female calling for help.  Officers arrived within two minutes and found a female gunshot victim on the sidewalk.  The victim, identified as Jennifer Avina, 20, no known address,  was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries about an hour later.

“This is the second homicide in Pasadena this year,” says Acting Chief of Police Christopher Vicino.  “That’s two too many.  We are asking that anyone who may know about this or may have seen anything that will assist in solving this crime to call the Pasadena Police Detective Section at (626) 744-4522.”  At this time, the case is being investigated by Pasadena Police Detectives.  No other information is currently available.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release, click: Woman Murdered

PASADENA, CA – At approximately 4:40 p.m. on Monday afternoon, the Pasadena Police department responded to the area of 1500 N El Molino Avenue where it was reported that there was a man with a gun and his nine year old son was with him.    Officers responded within minutes of the call and while at the home investigating the incident, the suspect, Carlos Artavia, 45 of Pasadena fired several rounds from inside of the garage.  Officers evacuated the homes in the immediate area and called for additional assistance.  The PPD Crisis Negotiation and SWAT teams responded and after several hours of negotiations, at about 9:05 p.m., the suspect released the nine year old boy who was confirmed to be his son. 

 After several more hours of attempted negotiations with the suspect, officers attempted to flush him from the garage where he was barricaded with tear gas at which time the suspect emerged and  began firing at police officers.  Officers returned fire and Artavia eventually retreated back into the garage.  The Department enlisted the assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau who relieved the Pasadena SWAT team.  As they staged for tactical entry, Artavia surrendered and was detained.  As he was being taken into custody, it was noted that he was wounded.  He was transported to an area hospital where he is being treated for injuries that are not life threatening. Charges against the suspect are pending further investigation by detectives.

To view the PDF format of this Press Release click: 10 Hour Standoff Concludes When Barricaded Supect Safely Surrenders

PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena Police Department has coordinated over 20 neighborhood events in celebration of this year’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5th, 2008, during the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Neighborhood groups will show support for National Night Out’s commitment to fight crime with organized neighborhood parties and get-togethers, so neighbors can meet each other and City employees who provide critical services. Pasadena Police personnel and volunteers, and representatives from other City agencies will make every effort to stop by each organized neighborhood event that is pre-registered with the Pasadena Police Community Services Section.

National Night Out is America’s night out against crime! Citizens, law-enforcement agencies, civic groups, business owners and neighborhood organizations across the nation will be participating in this event. In all, over 35 million people participated in 2007, according to the National Association of Town Watch event organizers (http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/about.html).

National Night Out is designed to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back against crime. This year’s main event and kick-off will be hosted by Kings Villages and Community Arms properties, which will take place at La Pintoresca Park located at 45 E. Washington Blvd, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, call Police Specialist Arlene Ramos at 626.7447659.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release, click:  Pasadena Police Give Crime & Drugs a Going Away Party