Police Blotter: Vehicle Swiped From Rusnak Dealership

For the period of Jan. 27-Feb. 2, the Arcadia Police Department responded to 1065 calls for service, 139 of which required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Loud Music Call Leads to Marijuana Grow Operation

At 3:39 a.m. on Jan. 27, police received a loud noise complaint that led them to a "sophisticated" marijuana grow operation in an abandoned home in the 2500 block of Santa Anita Avenue. Police seized more than 500 marijuana plants and arrested 30-year-old Alhambra resident Chuan W. Pang on suspicion of felony cultivation of marijuana.

Teen Suspected of Shoplifting

At 6:49 p.m. on Jan. 27, officers responded to Macy's at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall regarding a teen in custody on suspicion of theft. He had allegedly concealed clothes inside a shopping bag and left the store without paying for them. The 17-year-old had also reportedly stolen merchandise from several other stores in the mall. Officers arrested him on suspicion of commercial burglary and transported him to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. He was subsequently released to his father.

Chase Bank Robbery

At 11:28 a.m. on Jan. 28, a man robbed a clerk at the Chase Bank branch at 60 E. Huntington Drive. Police are still on the lookout for the suspect, described as a Hispanic man in his early 30s with a black mustache. He wore a black sweatshirt, black hat and black glasses. 

Vehicle Stolen From Rusnak Dealership

At 1:16 p.m. on Jan. 28, officers were dispatched to Rusnak Mercedes at 50 W. Huntington Drive regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle had been parked in the service driveway with the keys in the ignition, when a man entered the vehicle and drove off. The suspect is described as an Asian male, in his 40s, with a skinny build and short black hair. He wore a black jacket and had a black duffel bag. The vehicle was a black, four-door, 2013 Mercedes E350 with the license plate number 6XYM128.

Vandalism at UPS

At 1:40 p.m. on Jan. 29, officers responded to UPS at 122 E. Foothill Blvd. regarding a vandalism report. Witnesses reported seeing two suspicious people near the building. During a search of the area, officers apprehended a teen and an adult who matched witnesses' descriptions. One of the suspects complied with officers' orders, while the other reportedly tried to escape. Officers caught up with him following a short foot pursuit. Officers arrested a 16-year-old boy and 21-year-old man on suspicion of vandalism (graffiti) and transported them to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. The older suspect was also charged with interfering/delaying a peace officer.

No Proof of Insurance

At 6:49 a.m. on Jan. 29, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Huntington Drive and Holly Avenue for displaying a false registration sticker.  Further investigation revealed the driver had no proof of insurance. Officers cited and released the 41-year-old woman.

Holy Angels Church Vandalized

At 2:40 a.m. on Jan. 30, officers responded to Holy Angels Church at 370 Campus Drive regarding a commercial burglary. Officers discovered that suspect(s) had broken into one of the buildings on the Church property and vandalized it. The suspect(s) broke several religious artifacts and set a small fire in the corner of one room. There were no surveillance cameras and no signs of the suspect(s) in the area. 

Residential Burglary

At 11:29 p.m. on Jan. 30, officers were dispatched to the 000 block of W. Naomi Avenue regarding a residential burglary. Officers discovered the suspect(s) removed a rear window screen and entered through an unlocked window. The living room had been ransacked, and it is unknown if property was stolen. There were no surveillance cameras or witnesses.

Theft from Victoria's Secret

At 10:10 a.m. on Jan. 31, an officer responded to Victoria's Secret at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall regarding a woman in custody on suspicion of theft. The suspect allegedly concealed several perfume bottles inside a shopping bag and exited the store without paying for them. She also had an outstanding warrant. Police arrested the 25-year-old on suspicion of commercial burglary and transported her to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 

Residential Burglary

At 9:12 p.m. on Jan. 31, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of W. Huntington Drive regarding a residential burglary. The suspect(s) removed a rear window screen and a piece of glass to unlock the rear door to the residence. Officers discovered every room had been ransacked, and it is unknown if property was stolen. There were no surveillance cameras, and the suspect(s) were not located in the area.

Man Attempts to Withdraw Money at Chase Using Stolen Info

At 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 1, officers responded to Chase Bank at 60 E. Huntington Drive regarding a fraud attempt. A man allegedly tried to withdraw an undisclosed amount of money using stolen personal information and a fraudulent driver's license. He reportedly became nervous when asked for more information, and fled. The suspect was described as a black man wearing a gray suit.

Driver Arrested on Felony Warrant

At 10:33 p.m. on Feb. 1, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Baldwin Avenue and Las Tunas Road. A DMV check revealed a warrant attached to the vehicle. Also, the driver had an outstanding felony warrant. Officers arrested the 28-year-old driver and transported him to the Arcadia City Jail for processing.

DUI Arrest

At 1:37 a.m. on Feb. 2, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for swerving on Baldwin Avenue at Duarte Road. Officers reportedly detected the odor of alcohol emitting from inside the vehicle. They arrested the 26-year-old driver on suspicion of driving under the influence and transported him to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.
 
Vehicle Stolen From Santa Anita Park

At 6:52 p.m. on Feb. 2, officers were dispatched to Santa Anita Park regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was stolen from the racetrack parking lot sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The vehicle was a silver, four-door, 2003 BMW with the license plate number 6JFX841. There were no surveillance cameras or witnesses.