PASADENA, CA –   At approximately 8 am this morning, a suspect described as a male Hispanic approximately 25 years of age, approached a female high school student from behind and groped her buttocks and genital area and then quickly fled on foot when she began to scream.  This incident occurred at Blair High School on the third level of the “A Building” which is the school’s main facility.  The student’s screams attracted a lot of attention from school staff and students alike but the suspect was gone before anyone saw him.

The suspect is further described as nearly six feet tall, a heavy build, a shaved head with an unknown type of tattoo on his right arm.  He was wearing a loose fitting green shirt and baggy blue jeans. 

Officers conducted an extensive search of the immediate and surrounding areas of the school for the suspect but were unable to locate him.  Police agencies and school districts of surrounding communities were notified of the incident as a precaution.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Sexual Battery Occurrs at Local High School

PASADENA, CA –   The Pasadena Police Department has just implemented a year-long special traffic safety program aimed at preventing roadway deaths and injuries.  New and enhanced traffic enforcement measures will be in force as a result of a recent $232,900 grant awarded by the Office of Traffic Safety to the City of Pasadena.  “The Pasadena Police Department is dedicated to keeping our streets safe through both enforcement and education,” says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “We greatly appreciate the partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety and the tools they provide to help us maintain traffic safety in the City.”

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant assists in efforts to deal with traffic safety problems and reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic collisions.  The grant activities will specifically target DUI offenders, drivers with suspended or revoked licenses, illegal street racing, red light runners, and seatbelt violations.  This will be done through the use of activities which may include DUI/driver’s license checkpoints and special enforcement operations.  The grant also provides funding for equipment and overtime to conduct special enforcement activities.

“The bottom line is that following traffic laws, whether it’s using seat belts, driving sober, or not speeding, makes sense because it saves lives,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety.  “This grant will help make the roadways of the City of Pasadena safer for everyone.

Funding for the grant comes 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 Launches Program to Curb Traffic Deaths and Injuries

PASADENA, CA – A contingent of employees and volunteers from the Pasadena Police Department will attend the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference held in San Diego from November 9 – 12.   The Department has received the prestigious IACP/ChoicePoint Award for Excellence in Criminal Investigation for 2008 award for its Community Response to Eradicate and Deter Identity Theft (C.R.E.D.I.T) program.   A formal presentation of this and other awards will occur at an Award breakfast at 7:30am, Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina in San Diego.

“I am happy that the C.R.E.D.I.T. program is receiving this recognition,” says Chief of Police Bernard Melekian.  “It is an innovative program that involves our department and community volunteers in an effort to deal with financial crimes.  As a department, we can be more responsive to our community and provide prevention education. Additionally, this is great recognition to our dedicated volunteers and a true testament to the positive benefits of police and community partnerships.” 

For more information about the C.R.E.D.I.T. program please call Janet Pope Givens or the Detective Section at 626.744.4522.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Police Department Program Recieves International Recognition

PASADENA, CA - On Tuesday, November 11, 2008 the Pasadena Police Department will conduct a speed enforcement program throughout the City.  Speed is a significant contributor resulting in major injuries and death in traffic related collisions each year.  This program is an effective tool for achieving the Pasadena Police Department’s goal of educating, enhancing public safety and preserving life.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Administration.  For more information regarding traffic enforcement programs in Pasadena, contact Lt. Riddle.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click: Speed Enforcement Program Pasadena Police Department