Police/Fire

Crime report: first half of May

Esmee Xavier — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:19:53 +0000

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May 25, 2012

Auto burglary was the highest reported crime in the first two weeks of May with 23 reports. The interactive map below shows all major reported crimes in Alhambra between May 1-13. Click on an icon for more details.

The map tracks all major crimes reported and traffic accidents between May 1-13, according to Alhambra Police Department records. If you witness or are victim to a crime, you can make a report through the Alhambra Police Department Citizen Online Reporting system or by calling 626-300-1529. For general information or to report a non-emergency situation call 626-570-5151.

阿罕布拉警局記錄表示，此地圖記錄和跟蹤犯罪舉報和交通意外。如果您是目擊者或者受害人，您可以通過阿罕布拉警局市民網上舉報系統舉報或者致電 626-300-1529。了解詳情或非緊急情況舉報請撥打626-570-5151.

El mapa refleja los delitos denunciados y los accidentes de tránsito, según datos del Departamento de Policía de Alhambra. Si usted es testigo de un delito, puede denunciarlo a través del sistema de denuncia por internet para ciudadanos del Departamento de Policía de Alhambra (Police Department Citizen Online Reporting system) o llamando al 626-300-1529. Para obtener información general o dar parte de una situación que no es una emergencia puede llamar al 626-570-5151.

Alhambra man accused of killing girlfriend faces trial

Esmee Xavier — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:43:02 +0000

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May 24, 2012

The so-called "kitty litter murder" trial is underway at the Alhambra Superior Court, Pasadena Star-News is reporting. Thirty-seven-year-old Isaac Campbell, an Alhambra resident, is accused of killing his longtime girlfriend, 31-year-old Liya "Jessie" Lu, of San Gabriel, and then allegedly storing her body inside a trash can filled with kitty litter.

Police arrested Campbell back in 2007, but his first trial in 2011 resulted in a mistrial when the jury failed to reach a verdict. Campbell's downstairs neighbor was recently brought into the trial as a new witness, according to the PCC Courier. The prosecution hopes that this new testimony will shed more light on what happened the night of Lu's death. The witness claims to have heard arguing, followed by a loud noise and then silence.

While the prosecution is arguing that Campbell murdered Lu by strangulation, his public defender is saying that she died of natural causes, having previously visited a doctor for seizure symptoms. Campbell has been in custody since 2007, and remains in prison in lieu of $1.3 million dollar bail as the trial continues.

Suspects arrested at Alhambra Starbucks for identity scam

Jue W-Yolanda — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:15:12 +0000

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May 21, 2012

San Gabriel residents Du Mingyang and Zhao Ocean were arrested at the Starbucks at Atlantic and Valley boulevards in Alhambra on charges of identity theft, check swindling, and providing false information to the police, World Journal (世界日報)reports.

The suspects alleged scam involved promising “fast loan” and “fast cash” to those in urgent need of money, writes reporter Luo Shuxian. After obtaining victims’ personal information, bank account number, check, and password, the swindlers withdrew money from the victims’ bank account using checks.

Monterey Park Police Department spokeswoman Carrie Mazeline told the Journal that residents are vulnerable to scams due to economic pressures. But they need to be careful about releasing personal information when seeking loan and financial assistance. As lawyer Deng Hong points out, those who fall into difficult financial situations due to gambling and unemployment are usually the easy targets for check fraud.

Anyone with information can contact the Monterey Park Police at (626) 307-1211.

Alhambra man arrested for 1981 murder cold case

Esmee Xavier — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:57:43 +0000

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May 18, 2012

Police arrested 73-year-old Abraham Tovar on Wednesday at his Alhambra home for the 1981 slaying of Charles McGhee, according to a press release from the LAPD. More than three decades after the victim was shot and beaten to death on New Year's Day in South Los Angeles, the LAPD finally concluded a months-long investigation of Tovar after having discovered that he was living on Chapel Avenue in Alhambra since 2008.

Police say Tovar and his brother Andrew had an earlier dispute with a man in a vacant lot around the 2300 block of Central Avenue just south of downtown. Armed with a handgun and a hatchet, they returned later that day seeking revenge, but unable to find the man, allegedly turned on Charles McGhee and Wayne Alexis, killing McGhee at the scene. Alexis survived his gunshot wounds and later testified against Andrew, who served time in state prison and has since died. Abraham, who was suspected of shooting both men, disappeared just after the attack, and remained a fugitive with an outstanding homicide warrant for 31 years.

LAPD homicide detectives that were assigned to the cold case began following new leads, conducting surveillance and interviews of Tovar's friends and family over the course of several months. The investigation led to two search warrants and finally his arrest. Lieutenant Andy Nieman of the LAPD said, "This is a perfect example of how sooner or later, the long arms of the law will catch up with criminals."

Police searching for Alhambra burglary suspect

daniela.gerson — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:05:19 +0000

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May 17, 2012

Alhambra Police are searching for a man who broke into a house on the 400 block of South Second Street. The suspect allegedly broke a bedroom window and attempted to enter at 1:10 pm on April 13, but was a resident scared him away. Detectives believe that this suspect may be responsible for additional crimes in the Alhambra area.

The victim worked with Alhambra Police Department detectives to create this skech. If anyone has any information regarding this suspect’s identity, they are asked to call Detective John Lee at: (626) 570-5158. Tips can be left anonymously.

Multiple stabbings on Main Street *Updated

Esmee Xavier — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:41:22 +0000

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May 11, 2012

Updated 5.11.12

Alhambra Police have identified four of the suspects arrested in connection with the two unrelated incidents that took place around 1:20 on Wednesday morning, the Pasadena Star-News is reporting. They arrested Jermey Baltazar, 20, of Alhambra and Melvin Carranza, 26, of North Hollywood in connection to an altercation that resulted in a triple stabbing. Police booked Baltazar on suspicion murder and Carranza of simple assault. Carranza was released from jail on Wednesday after posting $20,000 bail. Baltazar was being held on $1 million bail and was set to appear in Alhambra Superior Court today.

Police also arrested Carlos Arrazola, 27, of San Gabriel, and Adrian Baltazar (unrelated to Jermey Baltazar), 26, of Montebello, 40 minutes later that same night just around the corner when they reportedly fired gunshots at a group of men during an argument. The two are being held on $20,000 bail and are both due for arraignment today in Alhambra Superior Court.

Updated 5.10.12

The four stabbings on Main Street early Wednesday morning resulted from two unrelated fights, Sgt Jerry Johson told the Pasadena Star-News. He added that when police responded they also heard gun shots.

Police responded to reports of a fight when they discovered three men suffering from stab wounds to their arms and torsos, and a fourth man who had suffered other injuries in the fight, the sergeant said. All four men were taken to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Police also found two suspects nearby, as well as the knives they allegedly used in the attack, Johnson said. They were arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

As officers were investigating the stabbing, they heard a gunshot ring out from around the corner on First Street, just north of Main Street, about 2:01 a.m., Johnson said.

None of the injuries appear life threatening, according to the Star-News and names are not being relaesed pending investigation.

Originally posted 5.9.12

Up to four people were sent to the hospital with stab wounds early Wednesday morning after a fight broke out on Main Street. The conflict occured around 1:20a.m. between 1st and 2nd Street. Alhambra Police Department Sgt Jerry Johnson said that detectives were investigating the case.

If you have information, you can contact the Alhambra Police Department watch commander at (626) 570-5130 or by calling 911. Tips can be left anonymously.

April Crime Report: Auto burglaries hit high

Esmee Xavier — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:23:21 +0000

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May 7, 2012

In April, auto-related thefts were the highest in four months, with 45 reports of burglaries and 38 reports of grand theft. While residential burglaries decreased last month, the numbers are higher than last year at this time, according to Alhambra Police Crime Prevention Officer Sharon Williams.

The interactive map shows auto burglaries, residential burglaries, and vandalisms for April in Alhambra. Click on an icon for more details.

The map below tracks all major crimes reported and traffic accidents between April 1 - 30, according to Alhambra Police Department records. If you witness or are victim to a crime, you can make a report through the Alhambra Police Department Citizen Online Reporting system or by calling 626-300-1529. For general information or to report a non-emergency situation call 626-570-5151.

First fallen Alhambra Police officer in 41 years honored

daniela.gerson — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:30:54 +0000

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May 3, 2012

Alhambra Police Officer Ryan Stringer, who died while on duty last July, was honored at a ceremony on Wednesday. Family members, city officials, and fellow officers from throughout the region paid tribute to the young officer with a memorial plaque outside the department. Police Chief Mark Yokoyama also awarded him the first Purple Heart, a new recognition which will be given to officers who are severely injured or killed while on duty. He will also be recognized in Sacramento and Washington DC in cemeronies for fallen police officers.

Stringer is the fourth Alhambra Police officer to die in the line of service. The 26 year old was killed in an accident on July 10, 2011 with a fellow officer when responding to a reported robbery in Alhambra.

Crawling bedroom burglar wakes Alhambra woman

Esmee Xavier — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:39:26 +0000

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May 2, 2012

A burglar allegedly broke into the home of an Alhamra resident early Sunday morning, taking several valuable items with him including her wedding ring, NBC Los Angeles reports. Susie Tanasi woke up to a stranger crawling around the floor of her bedroom, apparently after he had entered the home through an unlocked kitchen window. "Nowadays, you have to be hyper vigilant," she told NBC.

Home burglaries have jumped in Alhambra since the beginning of the year, doubling from 14 reports in January to 28 in April. The chart above reflects the trends in home burlgaries over the last four months.

Naming of 10 Freeway after Officer Ryan Stringer moves forward

Esmee Xavier — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:13:29 +0000

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April 30, 2012

The California State Assembly passed legislation dedicating part of the 10 Freeway in Alhambra in honor of Officer Ryan Stringer, who died in the line of duty last July. The resolution, coauthored by Assemblyman Mike Eng, would name the portion of the highway between Atlantic Boulevard and Garvey

Avenue after the fallen police officer.

"Once adopted, it is my hope that this resolution will help us always remember Officer Stringer for his commitment to protecting our community and for making the ultimate sacrifice while serving us honorably," said Mike Eng. The legislation will now move onto Senate for further consideration.

Stringer, who was only 26 years old, was killed in an accident on July 10, 2011 when responding to a call for a possible robbery in Alhambra. He will be honored Wednesday at the Alhambra Police Officers’ Memorial Ceremony, when a dedication plaque in his name will be presented on the Police Monument.