Police Blotter: Suspected DUI Crashes Into Home

For the period of Sept. 23-29, the Arcadia Police Department responded to 1,009 calls for service of which 129 required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Suspected DUI Crashes Into Home

At about 3 a.m. on Sept. 23, officers responded to the 900 block of East Winnie Way regarding a traffic accident in which a vehicle had struck a home. The driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and had lost control of the vehicle. Officers arrested the 26-year-old man and transported him to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 

Shoplifting

Around 5:53 p.m. on Sept. 23, an officer responded to Macy's at the Santa Anita Mall regarding a theft report. A woman had allegedly concealed merchandise inside used shopping bags and exited the store without paying. Officers arrested the 63-year-old and transported her to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Attempted Armed Robbery

Shortly after 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 24, officers were dispatched to 7-Eleven at 2 East Duarte Road regarding an armed robbery that had just occurred. Officers could not find the suspect. The suspect, wearing a skull mask and dressed all in black, had reportedly pointed a black handgun at the store manager and demanded money. The manager grabbed onto the suspect's gun, and during the ensuing struggle, the suspect fired one round into the ceiling. He fled the store, leaving behind a black backpack. No loss was reported. The incident was recorded on video surveillance, and the Detective Bureau is investigating the case. 

Vehicle Catalytic Converter Taken

Around 8:54 p.m. on Sept. 24, an officer responded to the 000 block of California Street regarding a theft report. The reporting party entered his vehicle, which he parked on the street to the front of his residence, and discovered it was not operating properly. He examined his vehicle and discovered the catalytic converter missing. A wrench was found lying in the grass next to the vehicle. No one reported seeing or hearing anything suspicious.

Pregnant Woman Assaulted

At about 8:35 p.m. on Sept. 25, an officer was dispatched to CVS at 188 Las Tunas Drive regarding a battery report.  A a man attacked a pregnant woman attempting to get an item out of her vehicle. Two witnesses ran to assist her, and the suspect fled on foot. The suspect is described as a black man in his 40s, approximately 5-foot-10, with a medium build and short black hair. He also had some facial hair, and sported a short-sleeve gray T-shirt with light colored pants. The victim later went to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for an evaluation. One fingerprint was located on the vehicle and further investigation is being conducted by the Detective Bureau.

Illegal Speed Contest

At approximately 11 p.m. on Sept. 25, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for having an illegal speed contest with two other vehicles at the intersection of Huntington Drive and Baldwin Avenue. An investigation revealed the driver also had an illegal smog modification. The 20-year-old man was cited, released in the field and his vehicle impounded.

Argument Over Credit Card Escalates to 9-1-1 Call

At about 7:45 p.m. on Sept. 26, an officer responded to the 1000 block of East Camino Real Avenue regarding a 9-1-1 hang-up. Dispatch said they heard screaming in the background. A woman had allegedly pushed her spouse following an argument over a credit card. The 52-year-old woman was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 

Theft at 24-Hour Fitness

Around 10:13 p.m. on Sept. 26, an officer responded to 24 Hour Fitness, 125 North First Avenue, in reference to a theft investigation. The victim discovered an unknown suspect(s) broke into his locker and stole his gym bag. No one reported seeing or hearing anything suspicious. Review of surveillance footage was pending at the time of the report. 

Burglar Steals Laptop, Antique Watches

Shortly after 9:20 a.m. on Sept. 27, an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Fairview Avenue regarding a residential burglary report. Unknown suspect(s) forced entry through a window and ransacked the victim's bedroom. A laptop and two antique watches were reported missing. No witnesses were located.

Man Posing as Construction Worker Enters Home

At approximately 10:05 a.m. on Sept. 27, officers responded to the 200 block of West Las Tunas Drive regarding a suspicious person. A man, posing as a construction worker, knocked on the victim's front door and asked to check the home's water lines for contamination. The resident escorted the man to the kitchen sink and bathroom to watch him turn on the faucets. The man then asked to check the backyard, where he turned on the water hose. After the man told the victim to leave the water hose running to see if the water changed colors, the victim became suspicious and asked the man to leave. He took off in an unknown direction. The victim told police he believes the suspect was casing the house.   

Skateboarder on Drugs

Just before 7 a.m. on Sept. 28, an officer conducted an enforcement stop on a skateboarder for riding his skateboard on the sidewalk in the Business District area of Huntington Drive and Second Avenue. The skateboarder was under the influence of a controlled substance. The 25-year-old was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

11-year-old With Knife

At about 12:12 p.m. on Sept. 28, an officer responded to First Avenue Middle School at 301 South First Avenue regarding a student with a knife. An investigation revealed an 11-year-old had possession of a tool that contained a collapsible knife. The student was transported to the Arcadia Police Department for counseling and later released to his father.

Allegedly Meth-Addled Man Stumbles in Front of Officer

Shortly after 8:15 a.m. on Sept. 29, an officer made consensual contact with a man walking southbound on the east sidewalk of Peck Road at Hallwood Drive. The officer noticed the man stumbling, suspected the man of being under the influence of methamphetamine. A records check revealed he was on parole. The 32-year-old was arrested, transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking, and placed on a parole hold. 

Traffic Collision

At about 11:57 p.m. on Sept. 29, an officer responded to a parking lot in the 200 block of West Huntington Drive regarding a two-party traffic collision. Party-one, driving a White Lexus, hit a bicyclist as he made a left turn into the parking lot at an unsafe speed. An investigation revealed the bicyclist was also not paying attention as he rode in circles in front of oncoming traffic. The bicyclist sustained several scrapes to his body and was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for treatment.