Short Pursuit Ends With Car Thieves in Custody

While two Whittier Patrol Officers were traveling northbound on Painter Avenue yesterday afternoon at 3:30, a vehicle exited the Quad (8537 Laurel Avenue) almost causing a traffic collision. While attempting a traffic stop on the vehicle it fled eastbound on Whittier Blvd and then southbound on Laurel Ave. After a short distance however, the car stopped and the driver and passenger were taken into custody.

The vehicle was recently reported stolen to Whittier PD and had been "cold plated," meaning another stolen license plate was placed on the car to masque its "stolen" identity. The victim is a 26 year old female resident and other items inside the car were determined to be from a recent auto burglary. Both suspects were charged with grand theft auto, fleeing from officers with disregard for public safety, receiving stolen property, and possession of burglary tools. Arrested Driver: Jeffrey Hatfield 9/30/82 Whittier resident, passenger: Pedro Gonzalez 9/01/76 Whittier resident.

Detectives Use Forensic Evidence to Identify and Arrest Suspect

On November 30, 2007, an attempted robbery occurred in the parking lot of Ralph’s Market at 14919 Whittier Blvd.. The female victim had just finished shopping at the store and upon returning to her car, her passenger door was opened by a male suspect who demanded her purse. The female victim screamed in fear and fled from her vehicle causing the male suspect to flee, leaving his baseball cap behind in the victim’s vehicle. At the time, the female described the suspect as a male White approximately 5’6”, 160 lbs. wearing a dark blue baseball hat, dark flannel, and blue jeans approximately 30 years of age.

Through forensic evidence, Robert Marcum (01/24/65) was identified as a possible suspect in the case and Whittier Detectives put together a photo line up which included a photo of Marcum that was shown to the female victim. Upon review of the line up, the victim positively identified Robert Marcum as the suspect in this case. The case was presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office where attempt robbery charges were filed and a $1,000,000 warrant was issued for Robert Marcum’s arrest.

On July 29, 2008, Detectives from the Whittier Police Department with the assistance of Deputies from Riverside Sheriff’s Office served the arrest warrant at Robert Marcum’s last know address in Winchester California. Robert Marcum was taken into custody with out incident and is currently being held with $1,000,000 bail.

Burglars in Custody

Santa Fe Springs - At 8:30pm on July 29th, a male Hispanic entered the AT&T store at 11464 Telegraph Road and cut the cables to 3 IPhones. When the alarm activated an employee walked over to investigate and saw the suspect enter an older Toyota or Honda stopped just outside the door. As the witness was on the phone with dispatch, 2 Black females and 1 Black male entered the store and immediately engaged the employee in small talk. While two attempted to distract the employee, one of the females was stealing bluetooth ear devices from the rear of the store. The two females then traded places and the second female took her turn at stealing merchandise.

After completing the theft, the suspects left the area in a white Ford Expedition and the witness provided dispatch with the license plate. Almost immediately, a Whittier Police Officer advised he had the vehicle and was following it to Lynwood where sufficient officers were on scene to safely take the suspects into custody. All stolen property as well as a duffel bag full of additional stolen items, was recovered and the following suspects were arrested for burglary: Christopher Norton (01-19-82) of Los Angeles, Katherine Wagner (10-03-86) of Lynwood, and one Female juvenile residing in Los Angeles.

Pursuit Ends with Arrest of Robber

On July 28th at 2:00pm, two male subjects committed robberies of two separate victims in the uptown area. Shortly thereafter, a caller from the Coffee Bean called to report a person with a gun walking westbound on Wardman Street. Moments later a Whittier Officer responded and located the subjects near Wardman and Milton Ave. As he attempted to contact them, they ran and the Officer gave chase but lost the subjects. Not losing any time, the Officer coordinated a containment and eventually located one of the subjects hiding on a second story balcony of an apartment at 7232 Newlin Avenue. Also during the search, the gun was recovered in the backyard of a residence on Wardman Street. While the second subject was not found, it was determined the subjects with the gun were the suspects in the two robberies. The arrested person was a 16-year-old male juvenile from Whittier. He was booked at WPD for 211 P.C., Robbery.

Officer Makes Great Arrest

While working patrol on July 28th at 3:30 in the morning, a Whittier Police Officer received information from detectives regarding a subject named Brandon Neuner who was wanted for robbery. The Officer saw Neuner hours later near Neuner’s residence. He took him into custody based on the information he received from the detectives and conducted a search of Neuner’s vehicle, locating a number of credit cards and other items of identification. After arriving at the station, the Officer began following up with the owners of the ID/credit cards. At least one victim of a theft from a vehicle was located.

National Night Out Against Crime

On Tuesday, August 5th, from 5 – 8pm, neighborhoods throughout Whittier are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “25th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Whittier Police Department, will involve over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 34 million people are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ on August 5th.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

On August 5th, residents in neighborhoods throughout Whittier and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. All residents are encouraged to join the Whittier Police Department and your neighbors at Michigan Park from 5 – 8 PM. Festivities will include: Raffles and Giveaways, Free food & drinks, K9 demonstration, Tactical Entry Team, Mounted Police, Ride-a-Longs, Kids Fingerprinting, LACO Fire Department, Bounce House, Music, and much more...

For further information, please contact PIO Jason Zuhlke at (562) 945-8282

Attempted Robbery

Victim #1 (Male 19 of Whittier) and Victim #2 (Female 18 of Whittier) were sitting adjacent to the parking lot on the Palm Avenue side of Palm Park. Two Hispanic Males in their 20's approached the victims and asked if they had any marijuana. The victims said "no". The suspects continued walking but stayed in the area of the park. After a few minutes the suspects returned. One of the suspects approached the victims and demanded their wallets. The victims refused to comply. The suspect threatened the victims but to no avail. The victim picked up a Leathermen Tool, from the ground next to him, and threatened the suspects with it. The suspects fled the scene.
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Police Seek Man Reported to Have Lured 12 Year-Old Girl

Santa Fe Springs- On July 21st at 12:30pm, a 12 year old female student of Lake Center Middle School was walking home when she was approached by a male white in his 60’s, in the area of Florence Avenue and Gard Street. The suspect was driving a red "older model" pick up truck that appeared to have been painted by a paint spray can. According to the victim, she was walking eastbound on Florence Ave. when the suspect approached her in his vehicle and asked her if she wanted a ride. The victim said no and continued walking on Florence toward Gard St. (where she lives) while the suspect followed her. This incident occurred somewhere near the cross walk on Florence, east of Orr and Day Rd. The only information the girl could provide was that the suspect was wearing a brown shirt and had light complexion. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Whittier Police Department at 562-945-8250.

Five Suspects in Custody for Grand Theft Auto

On July 23rd at 7:30 pm, Officers responded on suspects tampering with a vehicle in the area of Whittier Blvd and Jordan Rd. A male suspect reportedly got out of a black Acura and attempted to force entry into a tan Honda. The suspect vehicle was last seen fleeing westbound on Whittier Blvd. Moments later a Whittier Police Sergeant located the vehicle and ultimately made a felony stop in the Smart and Final parking lot located near La Serna and Whittier Blvd. It was discovered that the car the suspects were in was a recently reported stolen in El Monte. Five suspects were arrested for Grand Theft Auto. Cesar Pedroza of Pico Rivera DOB-03/13/92, Juan Salazar of El Monte DOB-12/22/92, Enrique Ruiz of La Puente DOB-02/09/90, Gilbert Davila of El Monte DOB-11-16-89, and Gilbert Mendez of El Monte DOB 07/27/88.

Police Seek Suspects in Commercial Burglary

On July 24th at 1:00 am, officers received a radio call to respond to Quizno’s located at 12215 Telegraph Road, for an audible alarm. Officers arrived on scene and observed that suites #101(Quizno’s), 102, and 104 at the location all had smashed front doors. Officers conducted a search of each location for suspects with negative results. Even though three suites were affected, only suite #104 (Salad 2000) suffered monetary loss. The locations had all been searched by the suspect(s) but fled with money from the one location only. Anyone with information pertaining to this burglary should contact the Whittier Police Department at (562) 945-8250.

Fatal Traffic Collision

On July 22, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. a pedestrian crossed Beverly Boulevard between Palm and Norwalk, not in a crosswalk. The 60 year old victim did not see a vehicle approaching east bound on Beverly and was struck. The victim died at the scene. Traffic Bureau is investigating this incident.
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Serious Injury Traffic Collision

On July 22, 2008 at 7 p.m. a 25 year old male motorcyclist was driving on Homeland south of La Forge when he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a brick wall. The victim was airlifted to USC medical center with serious injuries. Traffic Division handled the investigation.
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Bobcat Reported at Whittier High School

On July 20, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. Officers responded to Whittier High School after a report of a bobcat on campus. Upon arrival, officers approached the bobcat, which caused it to run into a shed. Officers secured the shed and Animal Control personnel were able to safely remove a 20-pound tomcat from campus.
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Burglary in Progress - Suspect in Custody

Santa Fe Springs - On July 20, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. Officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Yoshinoya restaurant located at 11400 Washington Boulevard. Upon arrival officers saw that the front door glass was broken and subsequently noticed a suspect inside the business. The suspect had placed a large rice cooker outside of the business and was in the process of removing a computer monitor when officers arrived. Salvador Torres (DOB: 6-28-62) from Whittier was arrested for burglary.
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Stabbing - Suspect in Custody

Santa Fe Springs - On July 19, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. officers responded to the Motel Six on Excelsior and Carmenita in Santa Fe Springs regarding a stabbing that just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located the victim and suspect still in the hotel room. Preliminary investigation indicated that after an argument ensued between the two females, the suspect armed herself with a knife and attempted to stab the victim. A struggle took place between the two and in the process, the victim was stabbed in the hand. Officers arrested Denise Help (DOB: 9-5-78) from Santa Fe Springs for assault with a deadly weapon.
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Assault With Deadly Weapon

On July 19, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. a 20-year-old male victim was accosted by a number of male suspects believed to be local gang members in the 12700 block of Mar Vista Street. During an argument that ensued, one of the suspects displayed a knife and held it against the victim's neck. The suspect eventually released the victim and fled the scene. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 25-30 years old with a shaved head.
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Road Rage Incident Arrest

On July 18, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. two drivers got involved in an argument in the area of Beverly Boulevard and the 605 freeway over a driving incident. During the argument, the suspect exhibited a firearm and fired a projectile at the victim. The victim was not struck. After receiving the information from the victim, officers began an exhaustive search for the suspect. Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in the area of Hadley and Whittier Boulevard. The investigation indicated that the suspect used an "air soft" handgun that shoots plastic pellets. The suspect, Angel Martinez (8-12-86) from La Puente, was arrested for California Vehicle Code section 23110(b), throwing missile with intent to do serious bodily harm - a felony.
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Graffiti Arrest - Greenway Trail

On July 18, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. motorcycle patrol officers assigned to the Greenway Trail located two juvenile subjects cutting the access fence in the area of the 13800 block of Lambert. Further investigation indicated that the suspects attempted to gain access to an area next to the trail so they could post graffiti. Both were arrested for vandalism. One juvenile is a resident of Whittier and one is a resident of the Whittier County area.
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Robbery

On July 16, 2008 at 2:30 pm, a female teenage victim was standing on the sidewalk at the southeast corner of La Serna High School when a silver Nissan pickup with three males and one female stopped in front of the victim. The female suspect exited the pickup and approached the victim, demanding her cell phone. When the victim refused to hand over her cell phone, the suspect pushed her to the ground, struck her in the head and forcibly removed the cell phone from the victim. The suspect got back into the pickup and left north bound on Via Verde Street. The victim sustained minor injuries.
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Stolen Vehicle Recovery - Suspect In Custody

On July 16, 2008 at 3:30 am, a patrol officer ran a license plate check on a white Pontiac Grand Am, which was driving in the 11900 block of Washington Boulevard. The plate check indicated that the vehicle was stolen. When backup officers arrived in the area, a traffic stop was initiated and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. The vehicle was stolen in Los Angeles. Pedro Cibrian (DOB 6-29-66) from Long Beach was booked for vehicle theft in the Whittier Police Jail. Stolen vehicles are often used by criminals to commit more serious crimes such as burglaries and drive by shootings.
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Whittier PD Cracks Down on Parolee's

The Whittier Police Department with the assistance of Montebello Police, Bell Gardens Police, La Habra Police, the Sheriff's gang unit, Sheriff's homicide, State Parole, the Department of Probation, and the Department of Children and Family Services, searched the homes of over 9 gang members during a Parole Sweep early this morning. For the entire story click here.

Catalytic Converter Thieves Arrested

While working patrol on Friday, July 11th at 11:30 pm, a Whittier Police Officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Jordan Road in the 10700 block. The driver and passenger turned out to be gang members from Huntington Park. After speaking with them for some time, their stories didn’t add up. The Officer eventually searched their vehicle and found two recently removed catalytic converters in their trunk. Both suspects were arrested for suspicion of possessing stolen property. One of the arrestees would cop-out to stealing the catalytic converters, but wasn’t familiar enough with the area to say where the thefts occurred.

Structure Fire

On July 5, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. officer responded to a report of a house fire with a female possibly trapped inside in the 8800 block of Maryknoll. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the fire was at a detached garage, which fully engulfed. Officer assisted L.A. County Fire and the flames were extinguished.
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Major Traffic Collision

On July 5, 2008 at 3:50 a.m. officer responded to a major traffic collision in the intersection of Mulberry and Santa Fe Springs Road. One of the parties was transported to Saint Francis Medical Center with critical injuries.
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Car to Car Shooting

On July 5, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. the victim was driving his truck eastbound Philadelphia in the area of Pickering when unknown suspect(s) from another vehicle opened fire on the victim, using an unknown type firearm. The victim was struck in the upper torso and was able to drive himself to a local hospital. The gang unit is currently investigating this incident.
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Stabbing / Brandishing Weapon

On July 4, 2008 at 2 a.m., the victim left the Radisson Hotel and was driving south bound on Greenleaf when he was confronted by three suspects in a bronze colored 4-door Honda Accord. While stopped at a red light at La Cuarta, one suspect exited the vehicle and attacked the victim through an open driver's door window. The victim was punched in the face and stabbed in the head. He then followed the suspect vehicle to the area of Whittier Boulevard and Painter, at which time the suspect vehicle stopped and another suspect exited. This time, the suspect brandished a handgun. The victim left the location and drove himself to a local hospital. All three suspects are described as male Hispanics with no further details at this time.
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4th of July Activity

The Whittier Police Department responded to a high volume of calls for service on the 4th of July. A majority of the calls involved loud parties, fireworks, fights, and intoxicated subjects.
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Vandalism Arrests - Greenway Trail

On July 3, 2008 at 2 a.m., officers on patrol observed several subjects acting suspiciously next to a business in the area of Lambert and Calmada. When officers tried to contact the subjects, all but on fled on foot. Officer canvassed the area and were ultimately able to locate the two subject who fled. A detailed investigation revealed that the three suspects were members of a "tagging crew" named "NBK" (Natural Born Killers) and had just finished vandalizing areas of the Greenway Trail, as well as businesses in the area of Painter and Labmert and Lambert and Calmada.

Two juveniles, one from Whittier and one from La Mirada, and an adult, Bradley Sanchez (DOB 9/28/89) were arrested for felony vandalism.
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Burglary-Tools-Stolen Property Arrest

Santa Fe Spring, CA - On July 2, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. officers on patrol in the Walmart Parking Lot recognized a vehicle that was wanted in connection with a recent residential burglary that occurred in Friendly Hills. When a subject returned to the vehicle, he was detained and a field investigation began. Officers located stolen property and burglary tools on the suspect and in the vehicle. Derek Brandon Smits (DOB 2-16-79) from the County area of Whittier was arrested for burglary, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools.
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Whitter PD to Keep Streets "Safe and Sane"

From the Whittier Daily News....

Officials prep for safe holiday
By Ruby Gonzales, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 06/30/2008 08:51:50 PM

Local law enforcement agencies will be keeping an eye out for anyone setting off illegal fireworks this Fourth of July weekend.

Read the entire story here.