altadenablog

UPDATE: Man arrested on firearms charge at Altadena Drive and Lincoln Avenue

by Timothy Rutt

According to Lt. Angela Shepherd of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station, a suspect described as a black male was taken into custody at about 11:30 AM this morning on a report that he possessed a gun.  The incident occurred in the neighborhood of Altadena Drive and Lincoln Avenue, and Shepherd said they hadn't located a gun yet.  We're waiting for an incident report

UPDATE:  The sheriff's station just sent out a report that a COPS team member (Community Oriented Policing) "spotted a male black pedestrian who possibly had the butt of a gun sticking out of his pocket.  Before the deputy could make contact with this individual, the suspect walked into a house on Altadena Drive."  The report says he was in his 20's.

According to the report, deputies set up a containment area around the house and tried calling out the suspect with a loudspeaker, to no response.  The report says the suspect called the Altadena Sheriff Station and asked why he was being called out.  After speaking to the watch deputy, who suggested he leave the house, the suspect walked out of the house and surrendered without incident.  According to the report, the suspect was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm. 

More information coming out on burning victim Zinn

by Timothy Rutt

More information is coming to light about Emmit Zinn, the 70-year-old man whose body was found aflame on Windsor Avenue April 15.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department inmate website, Zinn was arrested and booked for an unspecified felony on March 20 by the Los Angeles Police Department traffic division.    According to the records, he was fined $510 on March 22, and released from custody on March 28.

The Pasadena Star News has an unnamed source that says Zinn may have been involved in arson-related insurance scams.  Authorities have been keeping information close to the vest since the case broke.

Burned body identified -- or not: coroner gives conflicting stories

by TImothy Rutt

News reports are coming out that the identity of the man whose body was found burning on  Windsor Avenue on April 15 has been released.

However, the coroner's spokesman told Altadenablog at 11 AM today that next of kin have not been notified and that information has not been made public.  The spokesman refused to confirm the identity as given in reports so far.

So in case they're snowballing us, here's the Patch story.

UPDATE 4/26:  They WERE snowballing us: PSN likewise has identified the vicitm as Emmitt Lee Zinn, 70, and apparently homeless.  It was determined that Zinn had been bound,  cause of death after autopsy is still unknown.

Torched body identified, PSN says

A report this afternoon from the Pasadena Star News says that the coroner has identified the body found aflame last Sunday morning belonged to a 70-year-old black man.  His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.  Sketchy details here.

 

Crime blotter: cars and homes again

Thefts from homes and vehicles this week.  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, April 8
Between 1:15 AM and 10:20 AM – Two vehicle burglaries occurred in the 400 block of W. Palm Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicles by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  misc. currency, black iPod touchscreen, brown tobacco pipe, silver tobacco grinder.
6:00 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 2700 block of Callesita Avenue.  Loss:  black HTC cellphone.
Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Monday) – A petty theft occurred in the 300 block of E. Sacramento Street.  Loss:  white/orange Echo chainsaw, orange/black Echo leaf blower.

Monday, April 9
Between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of E. Sacramento Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying open the side metal door.  Loss:  white MacBook, Toro DJ mixer-controller.

Tuesday, April 10
Between 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM – A residential burglary and grand theft of a firearm occurred in the 1100 block of Mount Curve Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked bedroom window.  Loss:  silver Samsung DVD/VCR,  Ithica  12g shotgun.
Between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM (Thursday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1400 block of Roosevelt Avenue.  Loss:  Kenwood tape deck, gray Sony portable CD player.

Friday, April 13
Between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2100 block of Oakwood Street.  
Between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 900 block of E. Mariposa Street.  Suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence by breaking the window screen.  No entry was made, no loss.  Victim was home at the time of the incident.

Saturday, April 14
Between 11:45 AM and 12:45 PM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred at the Altadena Golf Course, 1456 E. Mendocino St.  Loss:  Cross Fit golf club bag containing (10) Vector irons, (1) Taylor, (3) Graphite putters.
Between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM – A petty theft and vandalism occurred in the 2400  block Lincoln Av.  Loss:  battery for Ritz trencher.   

 

Crime blotter: not a good week for the markets

Residential and vehicle thefts, and it was a bad week to go to the market.  Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station provides the crime blotter.

Monday, April 2
Between 7:15 AM and 11:50 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 4100 block of Canyon Crest Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the rear door.  Loss:  six gold color dollar coins, misc. jewelry, black/silver HP laptops.
8:04 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Ralph’s (2270 N. Lake Ave.).   Deputies responded to the location and arrested the suspect.  Loss:  two bottles of alcohol (items were recovered).
2:44 PM – A petty theft occurred at Ralph’s (2270 N. Lake Av.).  Loss:  Oscar Mayer lunchables, soda, candy (items were recovered).
5:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Sacramento Street.   Deputies responded to the area and apprehended two suspects which were observed by a witness breaking into a residence.  Suspects attempted to enter a residence by removing the rear window screen.  Loss:  none.   Suspects are possibly related to recent burglaries in/around the area.

Wednesday, April 4
Between 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Sinaloa Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear driver’s side window.  Loss:  blue Yegy money bag, black Sony laptop, gray lunchbox.
Between 8:30 AM and 8:44 AM – A petty theft occurred at Super King Market (2260 N. Lincoln Ave.).  Loss:  brown wallet, misc. currency.

Thursday, April 5
Between 2:00 PM and 12:10 AM (Friday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 400 block of Devirian Place.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown method.  Loss:  misc. jewelry.

Friday, April 6
Between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM – A grand theft occurred in the 3100 block  of Rubio Canyon Roadd.  Loss:  white Apple laptop.

Saturday, April 7
Between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM (Sunday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 400 block of Crosby St.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front passenger window.  Loss:  checkbook.

 

Woman convicted of Altadena slaying, kidnapping sentenced

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun 

A woman convicted of killing a man and helping to kidnap a boy from an Altadena home in 2007 was sentenced Wednesday to 49-years-to-life in prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.

Mesha Arnaz Dean, 27, was convicted  March 26 of second-degree murder, child abuse and kidnapping. The child’s biological mother, Vanessa Ochoa, 27, previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, kidnapping and child abuse. Ochoa was sentenced to 15 years in prison on April 9.

According to prosecutors, on March 16, 2007, the couple drove from Las Vegas to Altadena to take the child, then 4, from his father. When they arrived the child was with his uncle, Monroe Miles Jr, 33.  Dean shot Miles and fled to Las Vegas with Ochoa and the child.

More at the Pasadena Sun.  

Crime blotter: shoplifting, El Sereno crime wave

Lots of shoplifting this week, someone was going on a tear on the 2200 block of El Sereno Avenue, and the 24 Hour Fitness parking lot strikes again.  Crime blotter by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Sunday, March 25

Between 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM, Monday – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 200 block of E. Las Flores Drive.

Between 9:30 PM and 10:21 AM, Monday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2300 block of E. Washington Bouleavard. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear windshield.  Loss:  black Garmin GPS.

Monday, March 26

3:00 AM – A residential vandalism occurred in the 1700 block of E. Elizabeth Street. 

Tuesday, March 27

2:40 PM – A shoplifting burglary occurred at Ralph’s, 2270 N. Lake Avenue.  The suspect was apprehended and arrested.  Loss:  package of LifeSaver Gummies, Trolli Sour Worms, Twisty water balloons.  Some items were recovered.

Wednesday, March 28

1:10 PM – A shoplifting burglary occurred at 7-11, 1319 N. Altadena Drive.  The suspect was apprehended and arrested.  Loss:  package of Starburst, doughnuts, bottle of Dr. Pepper soft drink.  Items were recovered.

Between 8:45 PM and 8:55 PM – A petty theft occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Avenue.  Loss:  black/red Driod cellphone. 

Thursday, March 29

11:00 AM – A robbery occurred at Fair Oaks Avenue & Harriet Street.  The victim sat on a bus bench next to a male (suspect).  The male asked the victim for a dollar and as the victim attempted to pull a one dollar bill – the suspect grabbed the money from the victim’s hand.  The suspect – a male, African-American, 25-35yrs, 5'10"  to 6', 180-220lbs, wearing a black shiny jacket, blue jeans, white New Balance tennis shoes,  ran with the money northbound of Fair Oaks Avenue.  towards Wally’s Barbershop.  The suspect was later observed leaving the rear of the barbershop in a silver Trek bicycle with red zig-zag pattern. The suspect was last seen eastbound on Harriet Street. from Fair Oaks Avenue.  Loss:  $10.00.

Between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM – A petty theft occurred at Ritzy Rags, 837 E. Mariposa Street.  Loss. $100.00.

Friday, March 30

Between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of El Sereno Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked door(s).  Loss: unknown.

Between 7:10 PM and 8:45 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear bedroom window.  No loss.

Between 12:10 PM and 12:25 PM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1200 block of Sunny Oaks Circle.  Loss:  red Honda lawnmower with a black bag, red/black Astro edge trimmer, red/black weed trimmer.

Saturday, March 31

Between 6:30 PM and 8:45 PM – A garage burglary occurred in the 2200 block of El Sereno Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the garage by shattering the window.  Loss:  black laptop.

Between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM – Another residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of El Sereno Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the window.  Loss:  gray Toshiba laptop, white Acer laptop.

 

Juvenile arrested in Monday evening burglary

by Timothy Rutt

A 14-year-old is in custody following a burglary call Monday afternoon.

Lt. Angela Shepherd of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said that a call came in at 5:33 PM about a burglary on Sacramento St.  The suspected burglar got away, and deputies set up a containment area around the neighborhood.  The juvenile was captured thereafter.

Deputies were still in the neighborhood investigating as of 7:30 PM tonight.

 

Altadena standoff ends with suspect found dead

by Timothy Rutt 

Shaun Rangel, 40, who sheriffs say barricaded himself in his house Sunday after shooting his mother, was found dead about 8:15 tonight. 

Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station said that the SWAT team had entered the home on the 3200 block of North Lincoln Avenue and found Rangel's body.  

Allen said that there was no official indication how he died, and homicide detectives have been called in, but it is likely that Rangel killed himself.

Allen said that Rangel started the standoff after shooting his mother in an incident that was called in at 3:29 this afternoon.  

Rangel's mother's injuries were not life-threatening, Allen said.

Allen said that law enforcement officials never communicated with Rangel after he barricaded himself inside the house, so it was uncertain exactly when he died.

UPDATE:  An official release from the Sheriff's Department says that Rangel died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

 

 

Suspicious solicitor on Hollyslope Road Friday

Bill Westphal sent out the following note to the newsgroups Friday night:

There was a solicitor on our street tonight around 8:30 - 8:45 PM. He was allegedly trying to get subscriptions for the Star News. I called the Sheriff's Station to have some deputies come check him out but there was some other higher priority calls at the time.  I walked down the street (with Leila) and confronted him ... . He had a wadded up stack of forms in his pocket and said that other neighbors were signing up.  He had one with a Loma Alta address scribbled on it.

I told him that people are kind of leery about solicitors especially at night.  I told him perhaps it might be better to come back during the day.  He thought that was probably a good idea. He wanted to know if someone called me and I just said that we were a tight knit neighborhood and we watch out for each other. He started asking a lot of questons about which house was mine and how long I lived there. Leila and I escorted him down to Loma Alta and off the street.  On the way down he was texting somebody on his cell phone.

Lynne and I intend to call the Star News tomorrow to check this out.  It could be legitimate or it could have been somebody scouting for potential houses to burglarize.  The fact that he texted somebody makes me suspicious.

Please be alert for instances like this. Do not be afraid to call the Sheriff's Station and have them come out and check out solicitors.  That's what they have asked us to do. If the solicitor is legitimate there won't be a problem.

Be alert.  Report suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Station at 626-798-1131.

 

Crime blotter: strong-arm robbery and lots of burglaries

Burglaries and vehicle thefts, one more reason not to park at 24 Hour Fitness, and a bizarre strong-arm robbery highlight the crime blotter this week.  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's station.

Tuesday, March 20

10:50 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 900 block of Woodbury Road.  Deputies responded to the area regarding a male who was observed loading items into a vehicle.  Upon arrival, deputies contacted the male who stated he was given permission to pick up the items.  After further investigation, it was determined that the male was not given permission to retrieve items from the property.  The suspect (male, Hispanic, 40yrs, 5ft 8 ins., 180 lbs, black hair, brown eyes) was subsequently arrested.  Suspect vehicle:  white ’94 Mazda B2300 pickup.  Loss:  none – items were recovered at the scene. 

Between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – A vandalism occurred in the 200 block of Mountain View Street.  Suspect(s) shattered the bedroom window with a red brick. 

Between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred at Loma Alta Park.  Loss:  black Targus backpack, silver MacBook, white MacBook, white iPad tablet, currency.

Between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, Wednesday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2600 block of Glen Avenue.  Loss:  silver floral wallet containing personal documents. 

Wednesday, March 21

Between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM – A petty theft from a locked vehicle occurred in the 60 block of E. Las Flores Dr.  Suspect(s) reached into the vehicle that had the driver’s side window partially down.  Loss:  black Samsung Galaxy tablet with black casing. 

Between 4:45 PM and 5:30 PM – A strong-arm robbery occurred in the 2500 block  of N. Fair Oaks Avenue.  As the victim was exiting the Town and Country Liquor store, she was approached by suspect #1 (female, African-American, 19 yrs, 5 ft 5 ins., 120 lbs.,, black hair) who began to punch and strike the victim in the head, face, and upper torso.  As the victim was trying to defend herself she dropped her wallet and suspect #1 yelled to suspect #2 (female, African-American, 27 yrs, 5 ft. 9 ins., , 135 lbs. , black hair) to start hitting the victim.  Suspect #2 reached down and started to pick up the money that fell from the wallet.  After gathering the money and wallet, suspect #1 and #2 entered a green 1990’s SUV with chrome rims & dark tint which was in the parking lot occupied with suspect #3 (male, African-American).  Loss: Louis Vuitton wallet, identification card, currency. 

Between 8:20 PM and 10:21 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 600 block of Mountain View Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by tampering with the screen and forcing open the bedroom window.  Loss:  black Century safe 1 ½ x 1 ½ containing currency. 

Thursday, March 23

11:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of E. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the bedroom window screen and opening the window.  Loss:  brown jewelry box containing misc. jewelry. 

Saturday, March 24

Between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Woodbury Rd.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by breaking the bedroom window.  Loss:  brown jewelry box containing jewelry and misc. costume jewelry. 

Between 4:15 PM and 5:30 PM – Two grand thefts occurred at the 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Avenue.  Loss:  white/blue Giants Avail 15sp road bike, burgundy/black Giants Avail 15sp road bike. 

 

 

Boot camp operator charged with rape

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

The operator of a camp for troubled youth already facing kidnapping and other charges from a 2011 incident was charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting two 14-year-old girls in 2004.

Kelvin McFarland, 42, operator of Family 1st Growth Camp, is being held on $275,000 bail after pleading not guilty to five charges from the 2004 incidents, which did not occur in Pasadena, according to Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Carolina Lugo.

The charges include forcible rape, sexual penetration by a foreign object and oral copulation of a person under the age of 16. One incident took place on March 19, 2004, and the other on Dec. 12, 2004, according to Lugo,

The charges are separate from a case stemming from a June 2011 incident in Pasadena where McFarland allegedly forced a teen from her parent’s home and attempted to extort money the family in an incident related to his boot camp operation. He has pleaded not guilty to all five charges stemming from that case.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Look out for "electrode guy"

by Timothy Rutt

From public safety volunteer Carolyn Seitz, who relays a story from the McNally neighborhood:

I just had a strange experience -- a guy came to our front door, knocked in a way that a familiar friend would, and wanted to come in. He claimed to have just been released from the hospital and to be friends with the [name withheld] on McNally. He lifted his shirt and exposed his stomach which had some white circle thing stuck to it. I felt  weird about the whole situation and told him if he were friends with the [name withheld] to go to them. I said I was going to call the police and he got spooked. I did call the sheriff and told them. They said some other person is doing this kind of scam on the east side of town too. BE VERY CAREFUL!!

Sounds like it might be one of those stick-on electrode things that they use for EKGs -- we've never heard it being used for a scam, though.  As always, if you see anything suspicious, call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 798-1131.

 

Crime blotter: more burglaries

Burglaries, a stolen vehicle, and another loss from the 24 Hour Fitness parking lot.  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Tues., March 6

10:05 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of Galbreth Rd. The victim who was inside the residence called 9-1-1 after hearing voices in Spanish coming from inside the residence. Deputies responded to the area and were unable to locate the suspects. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen of an open window. A witness contacted deputies and advised that a light gray Chevrolet Astro Panel Van was observed leaving the driveway of the location and eastbound on Galbreth Rd. The suspect was described as a male, Hispanic, slicked back black hair, heavy set with a moustache and wearing an orange vest with bright yellow stripes. Loss: Sony Bravia 46”, Sony Blu-Ray DVD player, silver Apple PowerBook 13”, sunburst Squire Fretless acoustic bass guitar, brown Mossman Acoustic 1975 guitar, small wooden jewelry box, black fire safe containing personal documents.

Wed., March 7th

Between 4:00 PM and 5:45 PM – Two vehicle burglaries occurred in the parking structure of the 24 Hour Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Av. Suspect(s) entered the vehicles by punching the door lock. Loss: rose gold Michael Kors wrist watch.

Thurs., March 8

Between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of E. Sacramento Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means. Loss: (2) gold necklaces with white pearls.

Saturday, March 10th

8:35 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 1200 block of E. Calaveras Street.

 

Crime blotter: vehicle burglaries galore

Lots of vehicle burglaries this week -- make sure to take your stuff out or hide it!  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sat., Feb. 25
Between 3:30 PM and 3:15 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 900 block of Concha Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side door.  Loss:  Garmin GPS.

Tues, Feb. 28
Between 8:30 PM and 9:45 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24 Hour Fitness,  2180 N. Lincoln Ave. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front passenger window.  Loss:  gray purse containing personal documents.

Wed., Feb. 29
Between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 300 block of W. Crosby Street.

Thurs., March 1
Between 4:00 PM and 7:00 AM, Friday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 10 block of E. Pine Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by tampering the door-lock with a screwdriver.  Loss:  black Garmin GPS Nuvi, black USB mini charger, red Craftsman drill with red bag, red Orkin bag with black straps.

Fri., March 2
Between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of E. Calaveras Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by tampering with the a/c compartment located in the window sill.  Loss:  bronze Sony 15” laptop.

Sat., March 3
7:06 PM – A shoplifting incident occurred at the Super King – 2260 Lincoln Av.  Suspect was detained by an employee and subsequently arrested.  

 

Sheriff's station seeks information on burglary

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff's Station is seeking information about the Tuesday burglary at the 2200 block of Galbreth road, in the Pasadena borderlands, as more information comes to light.

According to a release from the sheriff's station, deputies responded to a the residence when the occupant called 911 after hearing voices speaking in Spanish inside the residence.

A witness stated that he observed an older model  gray Chevy Astro van leaving the driveway of the residence and heading eastbound.  A search of the neighborhood yielded nothing. 

Suspects are possibly one to three Hispanic males in their late 20's-early 30's, one described as heavyset, with black hair combed back and a mustache, wearing an orange vest with bright yellow stripes under the arms.

If you have any information, please call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626 798-1131.

 

Suspect quickly caught in rib-jacking from Ralphs store

by TImothy Rutt

Deputies responded quickly with a full felony roll-out when a suspect boosted some ribs from the Altadena Ralphs store and was caught about ten minutes later.

Lt. Angela Shepherd of the Crescenta Valley sheriff's station said that deputies received a call from the store at about 12:51 PM today that an individual had stolen some ribs from the meat section.  Because the suspect pushed an employee on the way out, the incident was elevated from petty theft to robbery, Shepherd said.

Deputies responded quickly and stopped the suspect at gunpoint on Mendocino just east of Holliston Avenue at 1:02 PM, Shepherd said.  The suspect is in custody, but his identity was not made public as of press time.

Above, the line of sheriff's vehicles involved in the felony stop  Below, deputies investigate the suspect's vehicle.

Crime blotter: break-ins and strong-arming an oboe

The usual round of car break-ins and burglaries, with an oboe robbery mixed in.  Crime blotter by Lt. Duane D. Allen.

Wednesday, February 22
Between 7:00 PM and 7:30 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1100 block of Rubio Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  none.  

Thursday, February 23
Between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, Friday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 300 block of W. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  silver Macbook Pro 13”, black & gray laptop case, black iPod, green backpack w/military uniform.  

Friday, February 24
Between 8:15 AM and 5:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Coolidge Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying open the family room sliding door.  Loss:  misc. jewelry, silver bracelets.
Between 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of E. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen and opening the window.  Loss:  unknown at this time.

Saturday, February 25
1:00 PM – A strong armed robbery occurred at Lake Avenue and New York Drive.  The victim was exiting the AM/PM convenience store and walking towards the northbound crosswalk.  As the victim entered the crosswalk the suspect ran up behind him and grabbed the victim’s musical instrument case.  The suspect was described as a male, Hispanic, approx. 40 yrs, 5ft. 8 ins., 180 lbs., tan jacket with a wool white collar, blue jeans, dark work boots and a blue or green tattoo on the right side of his neck.  The suspect was last seen westbound on New York Drive.  Loss:  black oboe with PHS engraved which was located inside a black case with PHS written on the exterior.  
Between 3:30 PM and 3:15 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 900 block of Concha Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side door.  Loss:  Garmin GPS.  

Monday, February 27
2:42 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Minoru Drive.  Deputies were responding to the area regarding suspicious males in a blue pickup and were notified of burglary alarm activation on the same street.  While enroute to the location, deputies observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspicious males and the vehicle.  Deputies followed the vehicle to the area of New York Dr. and Altadena Dr. and observed the subjects abandon the vehicle and run in different directions.  After containment of the area and further investigation, two suspects were taken into custody.  The investigation is on-going.   

 

Altadena man charged with weapons violations after stolen laptop tells deputies where it is

by Timothy Rutt

Sheriff's deputies using a tracking program on a stolen computer not only turned up the computer, but an illegal assault rifle, a handgun, and several missing iPhones at the home of an Altadena man, says the sheriff's department.

Capt. Mike Parker of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said that  Raymond Jackson, 57, of Altadena, was charged today (Feb. 24) by the district attorney with one count of possessing a banned assault rifle, being an ex-convict in possession of a gun, and one count of receiving stolen property.  

Sheriff's deputies arrested Jackson on Jan. 12, and served a warrant on his Altadena home which turned up the stolen laptop and six iPhones.  Also found was a legally-banned unregistered SKS assault rifle with two loaded 30 round magazines duct-taped together, and a .32 revolver with the serial number scratched off, Parker said.

Pictured: sheriffs say the assault rifle, revolver, and duct-taped magazine were recovered in Raymond Jackson's home on Jan. 12, 2012.

According to Parker, the story started when a home burglary in Altadena was reported on May 9, 2011.  Taken in the burglary was a coin collection, several personal items, and the laptop, which was equipped with Lojack for Laptops theft recovery software.

Parker said that the owner notified the monitoring company, which would record the computer's keystrokes and make screen captures, including photos.  The company turned in its information by the end of November 2011, to Sheriff Det. David Gaisford, who traced it to Jackson. 

Two of the iPhones have been confirmed as missing from businesses in Los Angeles and Simi Valley.  Parker said that they were tracked to their owners, who said the phones had been taken from desks, but had not reported the thefts.  Deputies are looking for the owners of the other iPhones.

Jackson was released on $50,000 bail the day of his arrest, Parker said.  His next court date is March 12.

UPDATE:  A press release from the sheriff's department has the following quote:  “The use of tracking software for one crime, led to the solving of multiple crimes,” said Detective Gaisford. “My partner and I have recovered several laptops over the last year alone through laptop tracking.  They often lead us to property stolen in other crimes.”

 

Two full magazines, duct-taped together.

An example message from the Lojack for Laptops program.

 

 

 

Crime blotter: three GPS's need to find their way home

Crime blotter from Lt. Duane D. Allen of Altadena Sheriff's Station.  

(And you know when you program your GPS unit, don't make "home" your home -- program a nearby landmark.  Otherwise, if anybody takes it, they know where you live.  Us, we put in the sheriff's station ...).

Monday, Feb. 13
Between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM, Wednesday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2200 block of N. Lincoln Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear window and driver’s side window.  Loss:  gray Garmin GPS.

Tuesday, Feb. 14
9:58 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 900 block of E. Palm St.  The suspect entered the residence via the unlocked front door and encountered the victim who was inside the residence.  The suspect asked the victim if the residence was for sale – which the victim declined and told the suspect that he needed to leave.  The victim called the station and deputies responded to area and subsequently arrested the suspect in the immediate area.  Loss:  none.
Between 11:00 PM and 2:50 AM, Wednesday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the area of Fair Oaks/Kellogg Court.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the right rear passenger window.  Loss:  black Garmin NUVI GPS.

Thursday, Feb. 16
10:37 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Glenrose Avenue.  Suspects attempted to enter the residence by removing the rear window screen.  Deputies responded to the area and arrested a male juvenile.  Loss:  none.
Between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2300 block of Santa Anita Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black Garmin GPS.
Between 4:15PM and 5:20 PM – Two vehicle burglaries occurred in the parking structure of the 24 Hour Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicles by shattering the windows.  Loss:  black leather purse.

Saturday, Feb. 18
Between 8:30 PM and 8:30 PM, Monday – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of N. Lincoln Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen.  Loss:  white Apple Macbook.

 

Crime blotter Feb. 1-10: thefts, burglaries, vandalism

Blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Thursday, Feb. 2
Between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM, Wednesday – A grand theft occurred at the Hacienda Guest Home, 2544 El Molino Ave.  Loss:  gray iMac desktop 21.”

Tuesday, Feb. 7
Between 7:15 PM and 9:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Glen Canyon Road.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked rear door.  Loss:  60 piece silverware set, gold ring w/center diamond, white gold ring w/2 diamonds and aquamarine center stone.  

Wednesday, Feb. 8
Between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, Thursday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 300 block of Harriet St.  Loss:  personal identification card.

Thursday, Feb. 9
Between 5:45 AM and 7:05 AM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the parking structure of the 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Ave.  No loss; driver’s side window was shattered with unknown object.

Friday, Feb. 10
Between 9:00 AM and 3:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Altadena Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked bathroom window.  Loss:  blue Gateway laptop, silver Canon camera.
Between 5:00 PM and 1:00 AM, Saturday – A vehicle vandalism occurred at Loma Alta Drive. & Sunset Ridge Road.  No loss; all vehicle windows were shattered with unknown object.

Blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

 

Attempted pedestrian robbery at the Pasa/Alta border Wednesday

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

A would-be robber demanded money from a Pasadena pedestrian early Wednesday morning before fleeing the scene, according to Pasasdena police.

At around 1:20 a.m., an Altadena  man was walking near Lincoln Avenue and Palisade Street when he was approached by a man on a blue mountain bike. The man brandished what appeared to be the handle of a pistol and demanded money. The pedestrian said he had none. The suspect, described as a male Hispanic roughly 30 years old, then fled on his bike.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

 

Local crime slightly up in January

by Timothy Rutt

Statistics for the Altadena Sheriff station show a spike in crime for January, with an increase in reports of burglaries, rape, and grand theft auto.

Community volunteer Carolyn Seitz, who sends out a monthly compilation report based on figures from the LA County Sheriff, said that there is "no fear that we have a serial rapist on the loose in Altadena":

There were two allegations of rape reported in January.  Both of these were incidents in which the suspect was a person known to the victim... Both of these incidents were more characteristic of domestic violence - still very unfortunate.

As for burglaries, January records a year-to-date increase across the county, including Altadena. Seitz' report says that Lt. Duane Allen, commander of the detective bureau:

indicates that a great deal of attention has been focused on catching burglars in the process and in trying to anticipate where they are most likely to strike.  The Altadena Station's Crime Analyst has been working hard to analyze the information on crimes as they occur and many of the victims of crime, as well as observant neighbors who've been calling to report suspicious activity have provided very useful information that is being used to not only anticipate what might occur next, but to help better connect specific behavior or specific descriptions of criminals together and some of that information has been used to help arrest these burglars ...It was information provided by witnesses that helped link a series of burglaries in one area of Altadena to a parolee who was subsequently arrested.  

January also indicated an uptick in cases of grand theft auto.  Six autos were reported stolen in Altadena in January, but Seitz says that the person behind them is believed to have been arrested, caught in one of the stolen cars.

Overall county and specific Altadena reports are available after the jump.  The full 119 page report is available at http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_148405.pdf

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is now making more real-time crime statistics available online.  You can see the statistics at www.crimemapping.com or on the Sheriff's Department's website at http://sheriff.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/lasd/crimeprevention/

Crime blotter: car burglaries, a tailgate, and a bird

Several vehicle burglaries, a Silverado tailgate (altho' that may be over now) and a stolen parakeet mark the sheriff's blotter this week from Lt. Duane Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Between 11:30 PM and 11:00 AM, Thursday – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Glen Canyon Rd.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the rear window.  Loss:  black Dynex 22” tv, (4) silver tarnished antique candleholders, silver tarnished antique pitcher.
Unknown Time Frame – A commercial burglary and vandalism occurred at New York Launderland, 1840 New York Dr.  Suspect(s) entered the business by cutting the metal bars securing the rear restroom window.  Loss:  none; suspect(s) attempted to open the coin machine with a blow-torch.  

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Between 9:00 AM and 10:40 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the  1400 block of Morada Place.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black backpack containing identification and credit cards.  
Between 6:00 PM and 12:00 PM, Thursday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1900 block of Jefferson Drive.  Loss:  black Stanley briefcase, measuring tape, moisture reader, two calculators.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Between 12:30 AM and 10:30 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Oakwood Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the passenger window.  Loss:  black Swiss Gear backpack, nursing pediatric book, Swiss Gear rolling luggage.
Between 6:00 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Sacramento Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the bathroom window screen.  Loss:  black Samsung 32” tv, black Sony PlayStation 3 with black remote control, (10) misc. PlayStation games, black Insignia 32” blu-ray tv, Sony 52” 3D-WiFi tv, black Nintendo Wii.
Between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM – A petty theft of vehicle parts occurred in the 2000 block of Santa Rosa Ave.  Loss:  2004 Chevrolet Silverado tailgate.

Friday, February 3rd

7:00 AM – A grand theft occurred in the 1600 block of Oxford Avenue.  Loss:  a green Parakeet with a red spot next to its beak, white metal birdcage.  The parakeet was taken from the front porch of the residence.  Suspect vehicle is a small pickup truck which was last seen southbound on Oxford Avenue.  

 

Burglars tampering with electrical panels?

A member of the President Streets neighborhood news group noted that the electrical panel on his house had been opened.  He said it does not open by itself, and as it belongs to the homeowner (and not Edison) -- and due to the uptick in burglaries and attempted burglaries in the area -- he was a little suspicious.

Are the burglars now trying to shut off a home's power in order to deactivate burglar alarms?  We know that a loss of power does trigger some alarms, but we're not familiar enough with them to know that it's universal  Still, we know our electrical panel has fittings for a lock or seal, and it might not be a bad idea to get one ...

 

Deputies arrest Pasadena man with three stolen Silverado tailgates

by Timothy Rutt

The case may be shut on the tailgate bandit.

Altadena sheriff Lt. Duane Allen said that an investigation into the theft of numerous Chevy Silverado tailgates over the past few weeks led to the Pasadena home of Wesley Eugene Taylor, 34.

Allen said that three of the stolen tailgates were in Taylor's possession at the time of his arrest by deputies Tuesday night.

With nine Silverado tailgates stolen in December and January -- eight in Altadena, one in Pasadena -- Allen said that  "we pretty much put all our manpower into it -- it was getting pretty bad, so we worked on it pretty hard."

Allen said that five detectives worked on the case to bring it to a swift conclusion, thanks to clues Allen said they were not ready to reveal at this time.

Crime blotter: three Silverado tailgates taken in separate incidents

Item of choice this week: Chevy Silverado tailgate. Crime blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Wednesday, Jan. 25
Between 10:30 AM and 11:15 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Woodbury Road. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the bedroom window screen. Loss: black Nintendo Wii, gold/turquoise wrist watch, costume jewelry.
Between 1:00 PM and 8:00 AM, Thursday – A grand theft of vehicle parts occurred in the 900 black of W. La Canada Verdugo Road. Loss: 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 tailgate.

Thursday, Jan. 26
1:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of New York Drive. The victim stated he heard the doorbell and a few minutes later heard some noises coming from the kitchen area. The victim walked into the kitchen and observed a female, African-American, 14 to 16 yrs, attempting to open the kitchen window. The female saw the victim and fled the location leaving behind a black glove. Deputies responded to area, contacted witnesses and arrested a male juvenile. The female juvenile and another male juvenile African-American are still outstanding. No loss.

Friday, Jan. 27t
Between 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM, Saturday – A petty theft of vehicle auto parts occurred in the 2100 block of N. Santa Anita Av. Loss: brown 2006 Chevrolet Silverado tailgate.
Between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM – A petty theft of vehicle auto parts occurred in the 300 block of W. Palm St. Loss: champagne Chevrolet Silverado tailgate.

Pictured: 2006 Chevrolet Silverado.  Picture (c) GM Media.

Burglary suspect was tracked with his own GPS ankle bracelet, sheriffs say

by Timothy Rutt

Sheriff's deputies caught the suspect in six area burglaries by tracking him with his own GPS ankle bracelet, says Altadena's captain.

Capt. Steven McLean said that Jeremiah Billingslea, 20 who was arrested Jan. 20 allegedly in the act of burglarizing a home, had been tracked through the court-ordered ankle bracelet he was wearing at the time.

The sheriff's station said Billingslea was already on parole for burglary and, as a condition of his release, was required to wear a tracking ankle bracelet.  When the Altadena station suspected Billingslea in a recent wave of burglaries that followed his M.O., McLean said that they tracked him through the global positioning system in the ankle bracelet that broadcasts his location and movements.  Deputies easily found him in the house on the 300 block of East Calavaras St., still wearing the anklet, McLean said.

Billingslea was charged with six burglaries committed in the area in recent weeks.

Chevy Silverado tailgates are the newest target for theft

by Carolyn Seitz

Some families in Altadena woke up this morning to find out the hard way that they're now a statistic, and not a good one.

If you have a Chevy Silverado truck, your truck is a target for thieves who are stealing the tailgates.

Not so long ago, it was the rear seats from Cadillac Escalades that were the prime target.

Over the last few weeks, tailgates from Chevy Silverados have been stolen from all over Southern California at very high rates.

Please find a way to park your vehicles in a garage or behind a gate or fence so you're less likely to be a victim.

If you have neighbors who may not see these posts from the Sheriff's Station, please let them know that these vehicles are being vandalized at high rates.

If you have a suggestion about how we can more effectively get the word out to the community so we can be less vulnerable targets or so we can catch criminals in the act, please speak up.

If you see something - say something!!

Please continue to be vigilant and report suspicious activity by calling the Sheriff's Station - 626 798 1131.

As always, stay safe and help keep your neighborhood safe!

--------

Carolyn Seitz is a public safety volunteer.

Crime blotter: suspect captured in broken window burglaries

Lots of broken window burglaries, but they just may have caught the guy ...

Sun., Jan. 15
Between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM (Thursday) – A petty theft occurred in the 100 block of E. Woodbury Rd.  Loss:  gray/red Jiansu 2-seater go cart.

Tues., Jan. 17
8:42 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of Santa Rosa Ave.  Suspect entered the residence by shattering the rear sliding door with a large rock.  The suspect was possibly deterred from the residence due to the activation of the burglary alarm.  Loss:  none.

Wed., Jan. 18
Between 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2200 block of Country Club Dr.  Loss:  silver MacBook laptop, black/silver taser, black flashlight, black w/orange trim backpack.
Between 1:00 AM and 8:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Morada Pl.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle via unknown method.  Loss:  brown Gucci tote bag.  
Between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM – A residential vandalism occurred in the 2200 block of Maiden Ln.  Suspect(s) used a brick to shatter the rear sliding glass door.  
Between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Mar Vista Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear glass door with a brick.  Loss:  unknown at this time.

Fri., Jan. 20
Between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Glenrose Av.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear office window.  No loss has been reported.
Between 9:10 AM and 9:18 AM – An attempt burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Calaveras St.  Deputies responded to the area and subsequently arrested a male, African-American, 20 yrs, black hair, brown eyes, 6 ft. 2, in. 163 lbs., wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.  The victim stated that the suspect knocked on the front door and was observed walking through the gate that leads to the back yard.  The victim heard several knocks at the rear door and the sound of someone tampering with the door knob and using force to open the door.  The suspect saw the victim and jumped over the fence into the neighbor’s yard.  ***The investigation is on-going due to other burglaries matching the same method of operation***
Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM (Saturday) – A petty theft occurred in the 2200 block of Raymond Ln.  Loss:  credit card, identification card.

 

Parolee linked to six Altadena burglaries

by Timothy Rutt

A man who deputies say was caught in the act of burglarizing a home Jan. 20 has been linked to five other burglaries in Altadena.

Jeremiah Billingslea, 20, was arrested by sheriff's deputies during an attempted burglary of a home on the 300 block of East Calavaras St. according to Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena sheriff's station. Subsequent investigation linked Billingslea to five other burglaries clustered in the Morada Place neighborhood in recent weeks.  Allen says that Billingslea has been charged with six separate counts of burglary. Billingslea is a parolee with a previous burglary conviction, according to Allen.

Allen said that the burglaries followed a similar M.O., where a back window was broken with a brick or rock to gain entry to the home.

 

 

Sheriff's station washes hands of ACONA

Altadena Capt. McLean says that deputies will not participate in neighborhood coalition meetings as long as juvenile offender is volunteering

by Timothy Rutt

Deputies from the Altadena Sheriff's Station were scheduled to answer questions about dispatch and investigation complaints at Tuesday's ACONA meeting, but none showed.

Nor will they, said Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean.

"Not as long as we have someone with a criminal background collecting names," he said.

The captain was referring to Kendal Brown, who volunteers at the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Association (ACONA) meetings, usually staffing the attendance list.  Brown, 19, admits to having a juvenile criminal record, and, according to Elliot Gold, one of ACONA's organizers, his volunteer work for ACONA is counting towards his community service hours.

But law enforcement doesn't see it that way.  Brown was arrested after the last ACONA meeting, Nov. 1, 2011, after deputies at the meeting recognized him as having a warrant for  suspicion of grand theft, and called in other deputies.  Brown was released after three days, and charges were dropped in that matter.

According to McLean, someone with a record of criminal activity shouldn't be at a neighborhood meeting, collecting names and addresses of neighborhood watch block captains and listening to them discuss crime-fighting strategies with law enforcement.

"As long as he's there, we won't be there," McLean said.  As long as Brown is in the meetings, "I can't discuss what's up."

Both Brown and Gold think that the sheriff's department is targeting Brown, not believing that he's straightening out his life.  Brown said that he is being targeted because his brother belongs to a gang.  Gold, whose Upside Down T neighborhood association named Brown "Neighbor of the Year," also thinks that law enforcement isn't giving the youth a fair shake. 

In fact, Gold was removed from the sheriff's community advisory committee because he refused to not take Brown to meetings, both Gold and McLean say.

As for the complaints against the department, stemming from an Oct. 29, 2011 incident where shots were fired and neighbors did not think an adequate investigation took place, McLean said that "we sat down with the complainants in my office, we are doing an investigation."  Residents who attended that meeting reported at Tuesday's meeting that they did not feel they were being taken seriously and were being brushed off.

 

Crime blotter, Jan. 9-14: burglaries and beer

Mon., Jan. 9

11:54 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Super King Market, 2260 N. Lincoln Ave.  Loss: one bottle of Grey Goose Vodka – item was recovered.

 

Thurs., Jan. 12

8:45 AM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Layton Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the office window.  Loss:  Black Sony Vaio laptop.

9:00 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Fair Oaks Burger, 2560 N. Fair Oaks Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the location by shattering the front glass door.  Loss:  $500.00 in cash.

 

Fri., Jan. 13

11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3200 block of Villa Highlands Drirve.  Suspects entered the residence by shattering the family room window.  Suspects described as two male, Hispanics in a dark gray sedan.  Loss:  $7,000 in cash, blue wallet. 

 

Sat., Jan. 14

8:50 PM – An armed robbery occurred in the parking lot of Rite Aid, 735 E. Altadena Dr.  The victim exited the location after purchasing a case of beer.  As the victim entered his vehicle,  he was approached by suspect #1, male, Hispanic, 20-25 yrs, 510-600, 180 lbs, wearing a navy blue sweatshirt.  Suspect #1 grabbed the victim by the neck, placed a metal object by his temple and demanded the beer.  The victim was in fear for his life and handed the beer to suspect #2, male, Hispanic, early 20’s, 510, 150-160 lbs.  Suspect #1 pushed the victim and told him to leave.  The victim entered his vehicle and observed (2) other male, Hispanics standing near a white sedan.  Loss:  (1) case of 18-pack of Budweiser beer. 

Between 10:00 PM and 11:00 AM, Sunday – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 3100 block of Thurin Avenue. 

Sheriff shares tips for keeping your home safe

Lt. Duane Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station sends along these tips for keeping your home safe from burglars:

1.      Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks.

2.      Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.

3.      Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.

4.      Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and TV's. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.

5.      Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house.

6.      Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.

7.      Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.

8.      Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.

9.      Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.

10.  Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood

11.  Stop announcing your vacations on Facebook, MySpace etc. It’s very easy to locate your address and other personal information

 

Crime blotter, Jan. 3-6: burglary, burglary, burglary

Tuesday, Jan. 3
Between 8:15 AM and 12:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of N. Harding Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying and shattering the living room window.  Possible suspect(s) described as male, Hispanic adult(s), long curly black hair in a ponytail, wearing a white t-shirt and dark jeans in a silver 4-dr sedan.  Loss:  silver Mac Book, black Incase laptop case, black Canon digital camera, silver safe 1.5’x1’, (2) firearms – Browning 9mm and Smith & Wesson .22 cal.       
Between 11:00 AM and 6:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2100 block of El Sereno Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unsecured window.  Loss:  currency - $650.00.

Wed., Jan. 4

Between 7:50 AM and 12:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Grand Oaks Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unsecured door.  Loss:  silver Apple computer, black Nikon digital camera, black Phillips portable DVD player, silver Ipad.
Between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1000 block of Beverly Way.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the bathroom window.  Loss:  jewelry.

Thurs., Jan. 5
Between 5:00 AM and 7:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Meadowbrook Road.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying and shattering the rear door window.  Loss:  light color oak wood jewelry box w/rose design, jewelry.

Fri., Jan. 6
Between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2700 block of Glenrose Av.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unsecured front door.  Loss:  black Xbox 360, Call of Duty video game.

Sheriff releases crime stats for 2011

by Carolyn Seitz
cmseitz@mindspring.com

Most of you know that the monthly crime stats published by the Sheriff's Department show us the crime rates for the previous month with a comparison to the same period of time for the years 2006 and 2010, and in addition, they show us the year to date for each period reflected in their report.

You can review the whole 119 page report here http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_148405.pdf

Below are three pages of the report for the period ending December 31, 2011.  These three pages show you the crime rates for violent crime and property crime for all of the areas services by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on the first page. This page also allows you to see how crime rates for Altadena measure against crime rates across all service areas for the Sheriff's Department.  The second pages shows you Altadena's crime rates for violent crime and property crime and then the last page shows you a larger breakdown of these crimes so you have a little more detail.

Please note that Altadena's crime rates for Part I crimes continue to improve over the same period for 2010 with only the Avalon Sheriff's Station experiencing a greater reduction in crime.

Please continue to do your part and report suspicious activity. It does make a different.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to let me know.  The three critical pages of the report are after the jump.

Altadena man killed in Northwest Pasadena Tuesday

by  Adolfo Flores
Pasadena Sun

Edward Santana, 43, of Altadena, was the gunshot victim killed in Northwest Pasadena Tuesday, Pasadena police have confirmed.

No one has been arrested and the L.A. County Coroner has not conducted an autopsy to determine the official cause of death, Lt. Tracey Ibarra with the Pasadena Police Department said.

Pasadena officers responded to reports of gunshots shortly after 5:40 a.m. Tuesday in the 100 block of Dearborn Street. After canvassing the scene authorities found Santana’s body with at least one gunshot.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Crime blotter, Dec. 21-24: season's thievings

Lots of incidents of someone coming into the house to take things away -- obviously, not Santa.  Crime blotter by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Wed., Dec. 21

Between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Saturday – An attempt residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of Laun Street.  Suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence by removing the window screens and prying the window.  No entry was made.

Between 12:00 PM and 2:45 PM, Thursday – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of Tanoble Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the bedroom window.  Loss:  unknown.

 

Thurs., Dec. 22

Between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Lake Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the front door by using bodily force.  Loss:  silver Toshiba DVD player, silver Samsung CD portable player.

12:00 PM – A petty theft occurred at Focus Point Academy, 119 W. Palm St.  Loss: misc. currency.

Between 4:00 PM and 5:50 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 600 block of Sacramento Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked bedroom window.  Loss:  black HP laptop, black Sony PlayStation.

 

Fri., Dec. 23

Between 10:00 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Westlyn Place.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the living room door.  Loss:  black Apple iPad.

Between 5:00 PM and 10:00, Saturday – A residential burglary occurred in the 500 block of W. Palm Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vacant residence via unknown means.  Loss: copper pipe.

 

Sat., Dec. 24

Between 8:00 PM and 10:30 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Washington Boulevard.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle via unknown means.  Loss:  blue Bosch jigsaw, blue Makita drill, blue Makita saw, SuperSeven edger, misc. construction tools.   

35 arrested in Wednesday morning weapons sweep

by Timothy Rutt

Police arrested 35 and confiscated 23 firearms in a Wednesday morning sweep of probationers held in Altadena, Pasadena, and the Antelope Valley, according to release from Supv. Michael D. Antonovich.

News reports say the sweep involved 250 officers from the Sheriff's Department, Pasadena Police Dept., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The agencies conducted 158 searches in the sweep.

The sweeps were part of the DISARM program initiated by Antonovich, says the release.  DISARM involved unannounced searches of probationers and their homes, with the goal of confiscating guns, drugs, and other contraband. The DISARM program has seized almost 8,000 weapons, made over 16,000 arrests, and confiscated more than $350 million in illegal drugs and drug money since its inception in February 2000.

The D.I.S.A.R.M program entails pairing Deputy Probation Officers with local law enforcement personnel to perform unannounced searches of probationers and their homes, as a condition of probation, and targets the confiscation of guns, drugs, and other contraband.  

 

 

Sheriff blotter: home break-ins never go away

It's the same old song: residential burglaries.  Keep vigilant!  Information provided by Altadena Sheriff Lt. Duane D. Allen.

Mon., Dec. 5

 
Between 11:00 AM and 11:00 AM, Thursday – A residential burglary occurred in the 500 block of Colman Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means.  Loss:  brown/yellow Fender bass guitar, yellow Tapco music mixer.

Tues., Dec. 6

2:55 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3400 block of Fair Point Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the rear window screen.  Loss:  unknown.
11:44 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3200 block of Villa Knolls Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the side door.  Loss:  unknown.

Wed., Dec. 7

Between 7:45 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1500 block of Crest Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the bathroom window screen.  Loss:  unknown.

Thurs., Dec. 8

Between 9:15 AM and 12:30 AM, Friday – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of W. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the bathroom window screen.  Loss:  black Apple Mac Book.
Between 7:30 PM and 7:30 PM, Friday – A burglary from an unlocked garage occurred in the 400 block of E. Alameda Street.  Loss:  silver Craftsman lawn mower.

Fri., Dec. 9

Between 8:00 PM and 7:30 AM, Saturday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1500 block of E. Morada Place.  Loss:  black digital camera, internet card.

 

UPDATE: Sheriffs arrest one, seek two others in attempted break-in, Sinaloa and Morada

by Timothy Rutt

As of about 1 PM, Altadena sheriffs, assisted by deputies from Temple City and La Crescenta stations and Pasadena police, are looking for two men dressed in dark clothing who attempted to break into a home near Sinaloa Avenue and Morada Place, according to the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

The dispatcher said that K-9 units will be deployed, and the sheriff's helicopter is keeping an eye on things for now.

UPDATE: Community volunteer Carolyn Seitz relays from the sheriffs that at about 1:20 PM, deputies took in one suspect in the break-in, and two others got away:

The only information gleaned from witness is that both of the other suspects are African/American.

One was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt or black hooded sweater.

If you see anyone matching that description or you were in the vicinity of Sinaloa and Morada Place in the last hour to hour and a half, please call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 798-1131.

 

 

Crime log: Nov. 28- Dec. 2 -- burglars out in force

The house burglars were out in force this week -- not only taking money and electronics, but expensive bicycles and a guitar collection.  The crime blotter is by Altadena Sheriff Lt. Duane D. Allen:

Mon., Nov. 28

Between 5:00 AM and 2:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of E. Meadowbrook Road.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the doggie door.  Loss:  gray martini shaker, diamond/garnet white gold ring, misc. currency.
Between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2700 block of Lake Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the front door.  Loss:  unknown amount of currency.  
Between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of N. Roosevelt Avenue.  Suspects(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear patio door.  Loss:  black Dell laptop, black iPod, white iPod, white iPad.

Tues., Nov. 29

 
Between 7:00 AM and 6:05 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of W. Figueroa Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the bedroom window.  Loss:  black Samsung flat screen, black Sony PS3, white queen size comforter.  

Thurs., Dec. 1

 
Between 4:00 AM and 7:30 AM – A grand theft occurred in the 200 block of E. Palm Street.  Suspect(s) stole a bicycle which was secured in the front yard.  Loss:  silver/gray Ibis Mojo SL bicycle, estimate value $5,000.00.
Between 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Coolidge Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the rear door.  A witness observed a light colored sedan; possibly a Honda, parked to the front of the victim’s residence during the time of the reported burglary.  The vehicle was occupied by a male, Hispanic, 20-25 years, 6 ft., 185, shaved head, white tank top and a female, Hispanic, 18-22 years, dark hair, unknown clothing.  The suspects were then observed walking towards the front of the victim’s residence.  A short time later, the suspects were observed entering the vehicle with a broom in hand.  Loss:  black Coach purse, brown Louis Vuitton, black Canon SLR digital camera.
7:30 PM – A robbery and assault with a deadly weapon (hands, feet) occurred at Arco Gas Station, 2171 Fair Oaks Ave.  The victim was on foot and approached by three, male, African-Americans described as: #1 - 20-30 years, short black hair, light color shorts, #2 – 20-30 years, short black hair, thin moustache, plaid shirt, dark denim shorts, and #3 – 20-30 years, riding a bicycle.  The suspects approached the victim, pushed him down to the ground and began assaulting him and asking him for money.  Loss:  set of house keys.
Between 9:30 PM and 7:00 AM, Friday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Fair Oaks Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front passenger window.  Loss:  misc. currency.

Friday, December 2nd

 
Between 1:00 PM and 5:15 PM - A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Pepper Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the dining room window.  Loss:  black Sony Vaio laptop, silver Dell laptop, silver Canon EOS digital camera, (3) black camera lenses, brown Blueridge acoustic guitar, blonde/mahongany Martin acoustic guitar, light gold Taylor acoustic guitar, gold/black Sony camcorder, misc. currency.  
Between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, Sunday – A residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of N. Allen Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means.  Loss:  beige wool/silk blend Persian rug, silver/black Sony digital camera, silver Dell 17” laptop.

 

Crime blotter: Nov. 19-24: yes, they're stealing refrigerators

Crime log provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's station, who also reminds us that theft-related crimes normally go up 12 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's.  Big targets are anything left in plain site in a vehicle or UPS/Fed Ex packages that are left on your porch, so be vigilant and careful this season.

Sat., Nov. 19

Between 7:00 PM and 11:00 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Beverly Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by using a slim-jim.  Loss:  black Apple iPod, black Tom Tom GPS, silver Prada sunglasses, pink/black car seat, pink Nintendo DS.
Between 8:00 PM and 10:00 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1300 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by using a slim-jim.  Loss:  black Dell Inspiron 12” laptop, misc. currency.
Between 9:00 PM and 9:50 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Sinaloa Drive.  No evidence of forced entry observed.  Loss:  black/red Old Navy backpack.

Mon., Nov. 21

Between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Sonoma Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear bedroom window.  Loss:  silver Apple computer monitor, gray Canon printer.
12:38 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of N. Pepper Drive.  Suspects entered the residence via the unlocked door.  Suspect #1 male, Caucasian or Middle Eastern, short black hair, red t-shirt and red shorts and suspect #2 male, Caucasian or Middle Eastern, short black hair, blue shirt w/blue jeans were observed via surveillance walking up to the front door of the residence.  A short time later, one of the suspects was observed backing up onto the driveway in a silver 4-door sedan.  A gardener was present at the time however, believed the suspects were related to victim.  Loss:  black Sharp 22” tv, black Samsung 45” tv, black Canon digital camera, black Sony camcorder, gray HP 13” laptop computer  w/dragon logo.

Tues., Nov. 22

Between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, Thursday – A petty theft occurred in the 1000 block of Marcheta Street.  Loss:  purple flower planter, value $200.00.

Wed, Nov. 23

3:18 AM – A vandalism occurred in the 2500 block of E. Washington Blvd.  Damage:  front door smash.

Thurs., Nov. 24

Between 4:00 PM and 3:30 PM, Friday – A grand theft occurred in the 700 block of W. Mariposa Street.  Loss:  white Kenmore refrigerator.  

Dog day morning at Santa Rosa Avenue as canines chase, locate suspect

Pictured: Altadena Sheriff Sgt. John Stanley (we think!) with Sam, one of two crime-fighting dogs who got a workout this morning. Photo by Alan Parks.

by Timothy Rutt

As if Paco or Husky didn't send the message loud enough, add two more pups to prove the adage "Don't mess with Altadena's dogs."

That was a message one suspect received late this morning -- twice.

Altadena resident Melody Comfort says that she, her husband, and son heard their dog, Raven, barking and saw a man with a backpack in their Santa Rosa Avenue yard about 11:10 AM this morning.

According to Comfort, the intruder backed away into a prickly holly bush and prickly fern plant as as the dog charged him.  As he tried to free himself, his bag had gotten stuck in the branches, and Comfort said he dumped a handful of items including a screwdriver, wire cutters, and copper couplings and wires, which were later turned over to deputies.

Meanwhile, Comfort's 28-year-old son Patrick Comfort hailed a passing sheriff's car, responding to an earlier call about the same suspect.

According to Comfort, the intruder freed his backpack and tossed it over the wall and tried to follow before she had a chance to let the deputy into the locked yard.  As the suspect jumped the wall, their dog Raven bit down on his pantleg.  

'Raven the rescued dog from the Burbank shelter for 25 bucks," Comfort said.  "She gets steak tonight -- she earned it!"

But the story doesn't end there.  Reader Alan Parks emailed us to say that he and his wife were walking their dog Sam on Mendocino near Santa Rosa at about the same time.  Noting all the police activity in the neighborhood, including a helicopter, they headed south on Santa Anita, and about halfway down the block "Sam started to act funny."  He pulled them on the leash toward a large growth of oleander where they saw a man in a light shirt and dark pants laying face down in the bushes with a bag.  They hailed the deputies, who took the man into custody.

The deputy on duty at the Altadena Sheriff's station told us that this was all part of the same incident.  No information on the suspect was available.  

So when they say Altadena's going to the dogs -- it is.

More suspicious behavior reported

by Carolyn Seitz

Here's another experience being shared, not of a break-in, but very likely another of the many excuses being used by criminals to gain entry into your home. The incident below was shared by the Braewatch Group:

Neighbors - minutes ago a man appeared at the back door of a home at Tanoble and Mendocino. When confronted he claimed that he lived on Homewood and that his mother "Judy" directed him to practice public speaking at local homes. The then left the property. The resident called the sheriff.

The intruder's excuse is a variation on a story commonly used by burglars when encountering residents in the process of approaching a home to break in. They will knock, then immediately enter if there is no answer.

I do not yet have a description or any other information.  Please keep an eye out for suspicious people, and immediately contact the Sheriff at 626 798 1131 in the event that anyone enters your property, most especially the side or rear areas of your home.

The Sheriff's Department is still certain that many of these burglaries are being committed by gang members. It would be good to note that not all gang members wear clothing representative of their particular gang affiliation, or baggy clothing and have multiple visible tattoos. Many are college educated and have learned to dress very conservatively.

Business warned about fire inspection scams

by Timothy Rutt

The Los Angeles County District Attorney has issued a consumer alert that there are scam artists claiming to be fire inspectors making a play in the area.

The scam is, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, is that the phony "inspectors" trick employees into signing documents that are used to bill the business owner.  Actual fire inspections are conducted by local fire departments, which do not charge fees, Cooley noted.

The District Attorney, in a Consumer Alert, advised businesses and their employees to be on the lookout for the phony inspectors who claim to be inspecting fire extinguishers, smoke alarms or sprinkle systems. 

Those who suspect suspicious activity were urged to contact local law enforcement or fire departments, or the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Public Affairs Section at (323) 881-2411. 

Multiple attempted break-ins at Bungalow Heaven Saturday

Circulating around the newsgroups (and thanks to Jeff Sedlik of Braewatch for passing it on), there were three attempted break-ins in the Bungalow Heaven neighborhood of Pasadena on Sat., Oct. 29.  Officials believe that a single perpatrator is involved.  While the perpetrator attempted to enter the premises while the residents were home, nobody was hurt.  

The image was captured by one neighbor on surveillance video.  

 

Crime log: Oct. 22-28

Looks like vehicles suffered the most this week. Crime report from Lt. Duane D. Allen of Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Saturday, Oct, 22
Between 12:01 AM and 4:00 PM, Sunday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 800 block of E. Sacramento Street.  Loss: (1) Kelly tire, (1) alloy rim.

Sunday, Oct. 23
Between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2300 block of E. Midwick Dr.
Between 1:00 PM and 7:00 AM, Monday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1700 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle via the passenger door.  Loss:  multi-color wallet containing personal documents.

Tuesday, Oct. 25
11:15 AM – A petty theft occurred at Rite Aid, 735 E. Altadena Dr.  Deputies responded to the area and arrested the suspect.  Loss was recovered.
Between 2:00 PM and 11:00 AM, Wednesday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1000 block of E. Mendocino.  Loss:  blue/gray Eddie Bauer messenger bag, blue Asus laptop, blue Logitech wireless mouse, and several books.

Wednesday, Oct. 26
7:00 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect #1 male, African-American, 6 ft, 180-200lbs, black hair  Suspect #2 male, Caucasian, 5ft 7in, 160-170lbs, blonde hair.  Suspects entered the residence via the exterior attic.  Loss was recovered.
Between 12:15 PM and 8:45 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1700block  of Meadowbrook Road.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black Magellan GPS.
Between 3:15 PM and 11:00 AM, Thursday – A petty theft occurred in the 600 block of W. Harriet Street.  Loss: registration tabs.

Friday, Oct. 28
Between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 400 block of W. Terrace Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black Kenwood car stereo.

 

Friday afternoon burglary on 2600 McNally: walked in the unlocked door

by Carolyn Seitz

The information below is being shared by residents on the 2600 block of McNally.  The information has been modified only to protect the privacy of the person sharing the information.

Please do not let door knocks go unanswered if you're home. Also can't ask often enough for you to be sure to lock your doors and windows.  Criminals entered the house through the front door which was unlocked.

Please don't make it easy for criminals and please continue to call to report suspicious activity.The Station's phone number is 626 798 1131.

We had an attempted burglary at our house today (Friday) at about 4:30 PM. It was the ole' ring the doorbell to see anyone is home routine.

We were in (the rear portion of our home) talking when someone started ringing the bell. They were ringing pretty furiously which made me think it was my neighbor and I wasn't going to interrupt my conversation to answer the door.

The person kept ringing and knocking and then we heard a voice asking if anyone was home. It was not our neighbor so I went to see who it was.

I ran into a young (16ish) Hispanic boy in the hallway. I asked what he was doing and then he ran to the back room. I followed him and saw another person climbing out of the window and the boy I saw followed him. I immediately called 911 and the sheriffs came.

Nothing was taken, though the second boy rifled through my desk.

Our front door was unlocked. A policy we will have to change.