Tool Box Thieves

On February 25th, 2007 at approximately 9:39 pm officers were called to assist deputies from the Los Angeles County Sherriffs Department on a traffic stop in the area of Telegraph Road and the 605 Fwy. Deputies had been following a van that was possibly involved in a burglary. After the van was stopped, it was determined that the occupants had cut a fence behind a business located at 11159 Washington Blvd in the city of Santa Fe Springs, and removed four stainless steel truck bed tool boxes. The four men had removed the tool boxes from the business and placed them in the van. The men were identified as Alonzo Bledsoe 4-11-62, of Santa Fe Springs, Leon M. Shelton 8-11-85 of Inglewood, Issac J. Datson 6-27-78 of Los Angeles, and Daniel Avenancio 11-26-85 of Palmdale. All suspects were arrested for burglary.

Home Invasion Robbery

Four armed black males wearing ski masks entered a house in the 11700 block of South Circle Drive on February 25h, 2007 at approximately 8:40 pm. One sole occupant who was in the home, was handcufffed and watched while the the other three suspects ransacked the home. During the robbery the suspects located a safe containing a signinficant amount of money. When leaving the residence, the suspects also stole two cars, a Range Rover and Nissan 350 Z. The Range Rover was recovered by LAPD in the area of 115th Street and Figueroa Ave after the LoJack was activated.

Volunteer Academy

The Whittier Police Department is now accepting applications for the Volunteer Academy. The volunteer academy is an eight week class that will begin on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 and continue every Wednesday there after. The course teaches the volunteers a variety of police related topics such as laws of arrest, crime prevention and a K-9 demonstration. There is no cost to attend the course. Those interested must be over 18 years of age. Applications can be picked up the police station and must be submitted by Sunday, February 25th, 2007 to Sgt. Davis or Sgt. Iraldo.

13 Year-Old Boy Killed in Traffic Collision

Whittier, CA. – An East Whittier Junior High School Student was struck and killed today while riding home from school. At 2:50pm, a thirteen-year-old boy (08/08/94) waited to cross the intersection of Painter Avenue at Lambert Road. While doing so, a large semi truck was traveling northbound on Painter Avenue and had just entered the intersection. With traffic stopped in front of the semi, the driver stopped while remaining in the intersection. Moments later the signal would turn red and the crosswalk signal activated for the child to cross. Without waiting for the truck to clear the crosswalk, the child began riding his bicycle and attempted to navigate the gap between the truck and another car. While doing so, the truck driver, not seeing the child, began moving and hit the bicycle. The child was then drug beneath the semi for approximately 40 feet before stopping. Whittier Police Officers arrived immediately and attempted to rescue the child who would be pronounced dead at the scene. Ultimately, the Los Angeles County Fire Department would use heavy machinery to remove the victim from beneath the truck.

At this time, the accident is under further investigation by traffic analysts and there are no signs of alcohol involvement on behalf of the truck driver.

Persons affected by this tragic loss are encouraged to contact the Student Services division of the East Whittier City School District if they wish to speak with a counselor. Counselors can be reached at (562) 907-9466.