Police Blotter: Arcadia High School Student Threatens to Kill Teacher, Self

For the period of Dec. 16-22, the Arcadia Police Department responded to 1,096 calls for service, 166 of which required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Man Reportedly Caught With Counterfeit Bills, Heroin, at Mall

At approximately 7:05 p.m. on Dec. 16, officers responded to the Westfield Santa Anita Mall regarding a man reportedly using counterfeit money. He allegedly had heroin and more than 30 counterfeit bills, along with a warrant out for his arrest. Police arrested the 41-year-old on suspicion of commercial burglary and possession of narcotics, as well as having an outstanding warrant.

Father Assaults Son at Mall

Around 7:24 p.m. on Dec. 16, an officer responded to Sport Chalet at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall regarding a teen in custody on suspicion of theft. The teen's father allegedly yelled at him before punching him in the face. Officers arrested the 55-year-old on suspicion of battery and transported him to Arcadia City Jail for booking.
   
Highland Oaks Teachers' Lounge Vandalized

At about 6:45 a.m. on Dec. 17, officers responded Highland Oaks Elementary School regarding vandalism. Investigation revealed that suspect(s) smashed a window to the teachers' lounge and vandalized one of the walls with black paint. No other damage was found, and no property was missing.

Spa Burglarized

At approximately 8:35 a.m. on Dec. 17, an officer responded to Ann Karen Day Spa, 1215 S. Baldwin Avenue, regarding a commercial burglary. Surveillance footage revealed a man broke the spa's glass front door and stole the cash register before fleeing the scene. He had curly hair, and and wore dark clothing and gloves.

Golf Course Burglarized

Around 8:18 a.m. on Dec. 18, officers were dispatched to Par 3 Golf Course, 620 E. Live Oak Avenue, regarding a theft. Someone had stolen several range mats, golf bag racks, a golf club washer and a garbage can. There were no signs of the suspect(s) in the area, and there were no surveillance cameras or witnesses.

Residential Burglary: Vaquero Road

At 9:09 p.m. on Dec. 18, officers responded to the 200 block of Vaquero Road regarding a residential burglary. Officers discovered the suspect(s) entered the home through a broken bedroom window. They ransacked the bedrooms and stole several pieces of jewelry.

Residential Burglary: Orangewood Lane

Around 5:12 p.m. on Dec. 19, officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Orangewood Lane regarding a residential burglary. The suspect(s) entered through an unlocked sliding door, ransacked the bedrooms and stole several pieces of jewelry, a laptop and a cell phone.

DUI

At about 11:10 p.m. on Dec. 19, officers pulled a vehicle with a missing front license plate over in the area of E. Duarte Road near Santa Anita Avenue. During their investigation, officers discovered the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Officers arrested the 41-year-old driver on suspicion of driving under the influence and transported him to the Arcadia City Jail for processing.

Suspicious Package at Mall

At 9:52 a.m. on Dec. 20, officers responded to the Santa Anita Mall parking lot regarding a suspicious package. Officers established a safety perimeter. Investigation revealed the package contained marijuana. No suspect(s) were arrested and there were no injuries to officers or bystanders.

Arcadia High School Student Threatens to Kill Self, Teacher

Shortly after 12:05 p.m. on Dec. 20, officers were dispatched to Arcadia High School regarding a student threatening to kill his teacher, parents and himself.  Officers determined the suspect was a danger to himself and others. They transported the 16-year-old to Arcadia Methodist Hospital, where doctors placed him on a 72-hour psychiatric hold.

Apparent DUI Falls in Front of Officers

At 9:19 p.m. on Dec. 21, an officer conducted stopped a vehicle in the area of Huntington Drive and Second Avenue for driving with a shredded driver's side front tire. Upon pulling the vehicle over, the driver exited the vehicle and fell down. Officers arrested the 36-year-old on suspicion of drunken driving and transported him to the Arcadia City Jail for processing.

Pipe Bomb

At approximately 10:48 p.m. on Dec. 21, officers responded to the 300 block of N. Old Ranch Road regarding a loud explosion. During their investigation, officers discovered a detonated homemade pipe bomb in the bushes. There were no injuries or property damage, and no suspects were seen or heard during the incident.

Laundry Machine Coins Stolen

Around 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 22, an officer responded to the 1000 block of W. Huntington Drive regarding a commercial burglary. Suspect(s) had forced open a door leading into the community laundry room, pried open two laundry machine coin vaults and stole an unknown amount of coins. No suspects were seen or heard during the incident.

Man Flashes Gang Signs at Mall Patrons

At 4:38 p.m. on Dec. 22, officers was dispatched to the Westfield mall regarding a man reportedly flashing gang signs at mall patrons. The suspect fled from mall security, but police officers later located and detained him. A records check revealed the suspect was wanted by Monrovia Police. The 19-year-old was arrested, transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking and later released to Monrovia officers.