Pasadena Police Department Report to the Community for August, 2020

This information provides a greater awareness to the Pasadena community. The critical events detailed below are merely a snapshot of the calls received to the Police Communications Center every day. As your police department continues to move forward under Police Chief John Perez, the principles of the “Pasadena Way” possess greater significance no matter what assignment, function, or mission an employee serves in the organization as we continue to police with compassion and best intentions.

Total Calls for Service for August 2020: 7,692 (YTD: 73,622); 911 Calls for August 2020: 5,853 (YTD: 47,576)

August 2020 Collected / Seized Firearms: 15 (YTD: 212); Pistols – 14 (YTD: 148); Rifles /Assault Rifles – 0 (YTD: 51)
Shotguns – 1 (YTD: 13)


August 1, 2020, 1:20 a.m.: Officers responded to the area of Del Mar Blvd. and Wilson Ave. regarding an intoxicated female who had been attacked by an unknown male suspect. During the incident, the victim was dragged several feet. A nearby resident heard and saw the attack and responded to assist the female. As this witness approached the victim, the suspect stopped his attack on the female and displayed a knife towards the witness. The witness fled and called police. Detectives are conducting follow-up on this incident and the female victim sustained only minor injuries. She did not want medical treatment.


August 1, 2020, 7:51 a.m.: Officers responded to the report of a possible suicidal subject who apparently intended to jump off of the Colorado Bridge. Upon arrival, Officers saw the man had scaled the chain link fence and officers feared he may jump. Officers quickly established rapport with the distraught individual and after approximately 45 minutes of negotiating, they convinced him to climb back over to safety. The man was subsequently taken to a local facility for treatment.


August 2, 2020, 1:23 p.m.: Pasadena Police Department received a call of an assault in the 3400 block of Foothill Blvd. The victim had just finished ordering food from a nearby restaurant when the suspect asked for money. The victim explained to the suspect he did not have any money and the suspect left the location while the victim waited for his food. As the victim left the restaurant, the suspect approached him and struck the victim over the head with a skateboard. The suspect did not say anything to the victim prior to striking him and fled after the attack. The victim sustained only minor injuries as a result of the assault. Detectives are continuing their investigation so as to identify the suspect.


August 5, 2020, 5:58 p.m.: Officers responded to assist Pasadena Fire Department Paramedics at Brookside Park regarding the report of a tree that had fallen near the children’s museum. The initial call indicated that the tree had fallen on several people and they were possibly trapped under the tree. There was a group of individuals who were playing soccer near the tree at the time it fell. They could hear the tree begin to break before it fell and most everyone was able to disperse. One person did sustain minor injuries as a result of the falling tree and no one was trapped, as initially reported.


August 7, 2020, 9:40 a.m.: The Pasadena Police Department received a request from an out of state police agency to assist with a child abduction investigation they were conducting. This incident resulted in the issuance of an Amber Alert as the suspect/mother had abducted her young child from the legal guardians. The child was originally removed from the mother’s custody following the suspect’s arrest for child abuse and information indicated the suspect intended to bring the child to a relative’s home in Pasadena. Pasadena detectives collaborated with the out of state police agency the child was located at a residence in the 600 block of Los Robles Ave.
August 7, 2020, 10:17 p.m.: Officers responded to a call of a shooting victim in the area of California Blvd. and Fair Oaks Ave. Officers located the victim with multiple gunshot wounds that did not appear to be life threatening. Officers provided first aid and Pasadena Fire Department transported the victim to a local hospital. As the investigation continued, officers learned the victim had been shot while in the City of Altadena. Altadena Sheriff’s Deputies responded for the investigation.


August 7, 2020, 10:42 p.m.: Officers were on routine patrol when they observed a traffic violation. Officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of El Sereno Ave. and Washington Blvd. and upon approaching the vehicle, observed a firearm in plain view within the drivers reach. Officers ordered the suspect out of the vehicle and he cooperated. Officers determined the firearm was registered to the driver but was loaded and was unlawfully being transported. The driver was cited for carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle and informed him on the legally approved manner in which to transport a firearm. The driver was released in the field.


August 8, 2020, 7:01 a.m.: Officers responded to the 200 block of Pepper St. regarding a family disturbance with a lot of yelling in the background. When officers arrived, there was a physical altercation occurring between family members. Officers separated the two, however the suspect continued to violently resist the officers. Additional officers were requested as a lengthy struggle ensued with the suspect. Both the suspect and officers sustained injuries during the altercation and were treated. It was determined the suspect and his father were initially involved in a verbal argument which led to an attempted theft of the family vehicle. The physical altercation ensued when another family member intervened.


August 9, 2020, 12:24 a.m.: Officers responded to the area of Hammond St. and Morton Ave regarding a large group of people in an apartment complex parking lot. The caller advised it appeared several members of the group were about to begin fighting and that multiple people were armed with firearms. As officers approached the group, one suspect discarded a firearm and ran. Officers were unable to locate the suspect, but recovered the loaded firearm. The group was dispersed without further incident while officers remained in the area. Two additional firearms were recovered from vehicles of those in the group, who were stopped for vehicle code violations.


August 9, 2020, 2:52 a.m.: As a result of the previous incident regarding the large group, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Hammond St and Lincoln Ave. The Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle and the driver exhibited signs of being under the influence of marijuana. As officers asked the driver to exit the vehicle to conduct a possible DUI investigation, the driver told the officers he was on parole and admitted to having a firearm. The firearm was loaded with a high capacity magazine. The driver was arrested without incident and the firearm was recovered.


August 10, 2020, 8:11 p.m.: Officers were called to a restaurant in the 100 block of N. Sierra Madre Blvd regarding a man on the patio area who was causing a disturbance for other customers and restaurant staff. The suspect had left prior to the officer’s arrival, but he returned a short time later, after he was seen breaking a vehicle’s windows at a nearby business. Officers made contact with the suspect, who was armed with a large branch, which he held like a baseball bat. The suspect charged at the officers and after attempts of using their Taser and other force weaponry, the suspect continued to resist, breaking police vehicle windows. Eventually officers were able to subdue the suspect and take him into custody. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was arrested for assault on a police officer.
August 10, 2020, 10:08 p.m.: Officers responded to the 70 block of W. Hammond St. regarding a group of gang members, one of whom was seen concealing a firearm in some nearby bushes. Officers arrived but were unable to locate either the group or the firearm. However, a firearm was located on the floorboard of a parked vehicle in the same parking lot. The firearm’s serial number was visible and a records search of the serial number confirmed it to be a stolen gun. Since the stolen gun was locked inside the vehicle, the vehicle was impounded so that the gun could be safely recovered by officers.


August 11, 2020, 2:26 p.m.: A victim called the police department reporting a known suspect had threatened her with a gun in the 100 block of W. Tremont St. The victim advised the suspect was an ex-boyfriend and he had broken into her residence and took her cell phone. She tracked her phone to the location on Tremont St. and confronted the suspect, at which time the suspect pointed the handgun and made threats of violence. Shortly after and with the assistance of the police helicopter, officers located the suspect in the area of Hammond St. and Morton Ave. and he was detained. The subject was searched and officers recovered a loaded firearm in his possession. He was arrested and transported to the Pasadena Police jail.


August 12, 2020, 8:19 a.m.: Officers responded to the 100 block of N. Parkwood Ave regarding the report of a potential child abuse. A photo had been received depicting a young child who was possibly tied to a bed. During the Detective’s investigation, it was learned the child was regularly tied to his bed and the father and stepmother were responsible. Both parent were arrested for child abuse and torture and both explained they tied the child up because they were frustrated due to multiple behavioral issues the child suffered from. The Department of Children and Family Services assisted and placed the victim and two siblings into protective custody.


August 12, 2020, 4:20 p.m.: Officers responded to the area of Colorado Blvd and Big Bang Theory Alley regarding a fight between two men. Both men were detained and the investigation revealed the victim was having an argument with his girlfriend and had decided to leave before the argument escalated. The victim was approached by a male suspect, who struck the victim several times in the face and body with brass knuckles. It was determined the suspect was a friend of the victim's girlfriend. Officers arrived and were able to take the suspect into custody for assault with a deadly weapon. The victim did not seek treatment for his injuries.


August 12, 2020, 8:57 p.m.: Officers were called to the area of Lake Ave. and Villa St. after receiving a call of several gunshots heard in the area and a male was seen running from the scene. When officers arrived, they checked the area for evidence of a shooting and canvased the area for additional witnesses. A short time later, a local hospital reported to the police department that a victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound, had arrived at the hospital and was being treated for his injuries. The preliminary investigation indicates the shooting is the result of a road rage incident. Detectives are continuing this investigation.


August 14, 2020, 2:34 a.m.: An elderly victim reported to the Pasadena Police Department that while walking home from her place of work in the 1500 block of N. Fair Oaks Ave, she was approached by a male. As the two walked past each other, the suspect approached from behind and grabbed her bag which she had strapped onto her shoulder. A struggle ensued over the bag and the victim was knocked to the ground causing a injuries to her shoulder. The suspect fled south on Fair Oaks Ave. out of sight. The victim was transported to a local hospital for her injuries. Officers searched the area, but did not locate the suspect.


August 14, 2020, 10:26 a.m.: Officers responded to a restaurant in the 1400 block of E. Washington Blvd. regarding an assault between co-workers. The co-workers became involved in an argument over a food order, at which time the suspect punched the victim in the face with his fist, causing a deep laceration under the victim’s eye. Video at the location confirmed the fight and the suspect was arrested at the scene for assault with a deadly weapon.


August 14, 2020, 6:44 p.m.: The Pasadena Police Department received a report of an assault that had occurred at a church located in the 3700 block of Sierra Madre Blvd. The victim was in a secluded area of the church sleeping, when he was awaken by the suspect. A verbal altercation ensued between the two and the suspect hit the victim in the head with a metal chain. The victim fell to the ground and struck his head on the concrete. The victim was transported to a local hospital for his injuries.


August 15, 2020, 7:52 p.m.: Pasadena Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Raymond Ave and Grandview St. for a vehicle code violation. The vehicle was occupied by two adult males. The passenger exited the vehicle armed with a handgun and a short foot pursuit occurred resulting in an officer involved shooting. The suspect was struck by gunfire and medical aid was rendered at the scene. The suspect was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital where he later, succumbed to his wounds.


August 15, 2020, 9:30 p.m.: As a result of the officer involved shooting, a large crowd gathered at a park immediately adjacent to the scene of the shooting. The crowd was extremely emotional and required the assistance of additional officers to maintain the integrity of the nearby crime scene. Multiple members of the crowd made references to assaulting officers and killing officers. One member of the crowd made statements that he intended to physically assault an officer. Another officer who observed the aggressive behavior directly, deployed his Taser. Immediately after the Taser was used to subdue the threatening suspect, pepper spray was deployed in an attempt to disperse the encroaching crowd.


August 16, 2020, 11:40 p.m.: The night after the officer involve shooting, a large group once again gathered at the park adjacent to where the shooting had occurred so as to hold a vigil for the subject that was deceased. The crowd had been occupying the park and blocking surrounding streets/intersections throughout the day. After the park was officially closed, numerous calls of fights, shots fired, and multiple victims on the ground, requiring a police response. Officers responded, systematically dispersing the crowd and clearing the park while many in the crowd threw bottles and rocks at the officers. One Police Supervisor was struck by a rock and sustained minor injuries. The crowd became more resistant and belligerent, resulting in a declaration of an unlawful assembly. After numerous confrontations with officers, the crowd eventually left and went to a nearby residential complex.


August 17, 2020, 11:34 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to 00 block of N. Chester Ave in regards to a male threatening the victim inside the residence with a gun. When officers arrived, the victim directed them to the location of the suspect. The suspect attempted to retreat into a residence, but after several minutes, he exited and was taken into custody. A loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered, which was later determined to have previously been reported stolen. Additionally, evidence of narcotics sales was also seized.


August 19, 2020, 10:51 a.m.: Officers responded to the 400 block of Avenue 64 regarding the theft of gardening equipment. The victim was working at his customer’s residence when he noticed a white truck parked next to his work vehicle. The occupants of the suspect vehicle exited and removed the gardening equipment from the victim’s vehicle. The victim attempted to prevent the theft, at which time a struggle ensued. The victim was pushed to the ground and the robbery suspects fled in their truck. The victim was not injured during this incident and the suspects were not located.


August 19, 2020, 11:19 a.m.: Officers responded to a business in the 00 block of W. Colorado Blvd. in regards to a stolen vehicle. Approximately 1 hour after the vehicle was reported stolen, officers received information that the vehicle was located in the area of Arroyo Pkwy. and Del Mar Blvd. Officers found the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle sped away and a pursuit was initiated as the vehicle travelled southbound on the 110 freeway at a high rate of speed. The officers lost sight of the vehicle and terminated the pursuit. Moments later, it was reported that the vehicle had crashed in the City of Los Angeles and the suspect had fled from the vehicle. During a search of the recovered vehicle, a loaded firearm was located inside. The suspect remains outstanding.
August 20, 2020, 6:55 a.m.: The Police Department received a call of an assault that occurred in the 1000 block of S. Arroyo Pkwy. The victim (who is a security guard at the location) reported the suspect had approached him, appeared agitated and was yelling unintelligibly. The suspect then produced a knife and walked toward him. The victim feared for his safety and deployed pepper spray. The suspect retreated and arriving officers were able to detain the suspect without incident. A knife was recovered and the suspect was treated for the exposure to the pepper spray.


August 22, 2020, 8:40 p.m.: Officers attempted to assist a stranded motorist in the 400 block of S. Arroyo Pkwy. A check of the stranded vehicle’s license plate revealed the owner had an outstanding arrest warrant. Officers also learned the boyfriend of the registered owner was on active probation for carjacking. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a loaded firearm was discovered. The officers also located narcotics and additional ammunition inside of the vehicle.


August 23, 2020, 4:34 a.m.: California Highway Patrol requested Pasadena Police Department’s assistance with a pursuit that terminated on Lake Ave. at Union St. The driver of the vehicle had exited the vehicle and was holding a knife against his own throat. Officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect but the suspect appeared agitated. He stated he was not going to prison and wanted the officers to use deadly force. A Taser was used to incapacitate the suspect and he was taken into custody without injury.


August 24, 2020, 3:12 p.m.: Officers responded to the report of an attempted robbery near Colorado Blvd. and Pasadena Ave. The victim was walking on Colorado Blvd. when the suspect approached and lunged at her. He yelled and demanded that she him her property. The victim was in fear and immediately ran west on Colorado Blvd. towards Pasadena Ave. to her vehicle. She called the police and provided a description of the suspect. Officers located the suspect on the corner of Fair Oaks Ave. and Colorado Blvd a short time later and the victim was not injured.


August 25, 2020, 3:21 p.m.: Officer responded to the report of a robbery that had occurred at a residence in the 1000 block of Armada Dr. The elderly victim had returned to his residence after withdrawing a money from his bank. The victim parked in his garage and exited the vehicle, at which time the suspect was seen walking down the driveway. The suspect approached the elderly victim and offered to fix a light at the victim’s house. The suspect then pointed at a flood light and the victim exited the garage to see the light. The suspect took the opportunity to advance towards the victim, grab an envelope which contained the recently withdrawn money and pushed the victim to the ground. The suspect fled in a vehicle, which was parked nearby. The victim sustained minor injuries but did not require immediate medical treatment.


August 27, 2020, 4:25 p.m.: Officers responded to the 600 block of Magnolia Ave. regarding the report of a suspicious man seen on the roof of the residence. Witnesses reported the male did not live at the location and was now inside of the residence. When the officers arrived they saw obvious signs of a burglary and a search of the residence was conducted. The suspect was not immediately located, but witnesses advised the suspect had fled and was hiding in an adjacent property. The suspect was located and detained without incident. Loss was recovered from the suspect and returned to the victim.


August 27, 2020, 11:42 p.m.: Officers responded to the 600 block of N. Chester Ave regarding a family disturbance involving an adult son who was intoxicated and trying to enter the home. Responding officers encountered the suspect in the rear yard and it was learned he was on active parole. The suspect was hostile towards officers and refused to cooperate. The suspect armed himself with a pitchfork, which he was eventually convinced to place on the ground. He remained combative, threatening and refusing to comply with officers and eventually charged at them. A Taser was used by officers and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was taken into custody and booked at the Pasadena City Jail for a Parole Violation.