Two men held in alleged vandalism

From the Whittier Daily News...

WHITTIER - Two Whittier men were arrested on felony vandalism charges after what police said was an early-morning spree on Whittier Boulevard that included uprooting saplings, knocking over trashcans and seriously damaging three new vehicles at the Harris automobile dealership.

Anthony Sanchez and Johnny Reyna, both in their 20s, were taken into custody about 2 a.m., Whittier police Lt. Bryan Ellis said Saturday.

Police got reports of two men damaging trees and trashcans on Whittier Boulevard, Ellis said, and when officers arrived on the scene Sanchez and Reyna fitted the descriptions the callers had given.

"At the time the officers responding didn't know about the damage to the vehicles," which they later connected to Sanchez and Reyna, Ellis said.

The windshields of the three vehicles were smashed and the bodywork had been "hit repeatedly with stepping stones" probably picked up from the ground nearby, Ellis said.

Mark Johnson, manager of Harris Buick Pontiac GMC at 13617 Whittier Blvd., said the vehicles damaged were two new GMC trucks and a Pontiac Solstice. He estimated the damage to the windshields and bodywork at "somewhere in the $5,000 to $6,000 range."
Johnson said the vehicles were inside the lot's gated area.

Greenway Trail Patrols Begin

Whittier Police Officers Michael Hinson and Hugo Figueroa, both Uptown Whittier bicycle patrol officers, on The Greenway Trail with the agency's new 650 Hondas that will be used for patrol on the six mile trail that use to be a railroad track.

Read more at the Whittier Daily News....

"Late Bloomer Bandit" in Custody

Whittier Police Detectives arrested 52 year-old Martin Ridgeway on Wednesday in conjunction with three robberies committed over the last two months; the first being on March 28th inside the Ralph's supermarket on Painter Avenue and Whittier Boulevard. Once inside the Ralph's, Ridgeway approached the Union Bank and demanded cash while simulating a handgun in his waistband. After talking to police, witnesses described Ridgeway as an older White male with grey hair; a description that proved consistent in subsequent robberies.

Not wasting any time, Ridgeway struck the Banco Popular inside the Wal-Mart in Pico Rivera the next day using a similar M.O.. Then, on April 16th, Ridgeway made his final stop at the Banco Popular inside Wal-Mart in Santa Fe Springs. This time however, good witness statements coupled with a partial license plate kept Whittier Detectives hot on Ridgeway's trail. Following investigative leads, Detectives arrived at a residence in the county area of Whittier where they found a silver 2000 Hyundai Tiburon that matched the vehicle description. Further investigation of the residence revealed a white male in his 50’s with a history of robbery; this would prove to be Ridgeway.

Using an old booking photo, Detectives presented “line-up’s” to victims and witnesses in all three robberies and Ridgeway was positively identified as the culprit. After bolstering their case further, Detectives made their move yesterday at 2:30pm, arresting Ridgeway after pulling him over in his Hyundai. A search warrant was then served at Ridgeway’s place of residence that uncovered additional incriminating evidence.

After robbing three banks of approximately $4000, Ridgeway now faces Federal prosecution as the case attracted the attention of the FBI. Ridgeway is currently in custody at the Whittier Police Department with $100,000 bail.

Suspect Arrested After Evading Officer

Eric Loez, a twenty three year-old Whittier resident is in custody after assaulting a Whittier Police Officer while trying to flee from him. On May 13th at 1:45pm, the Officer was working a "Click or Ticket" seat belt enforcement assignment when he observed a vehicle drive by that had three males inside who appeared to be smoking marijuana. He made a traffic stop and pulled out the driver to talk about what he had observed when he heard glass break and realized they had thrown a glass pipe out of the car. While detaining the driver, the front passenger (Lopez) exited the car and fled the location.

The Officer chased the passenger and caught him as he was jumping a fence. While doing so, the suspect spun on the officer and punched him in the face. The passenger was then able to slip the Officer’s grip and continued to flee only into the arms of additional Officers. Lopez was arrested and the other two detainees were released at the scene. The officer did not receive any significant injuries and continued to work the duration of his shift while Lopez spent the night and subsequent days at the Whittier jail.

Whittier PD to Celebrate Open House

WHITTIER POLICE DEPARTMENT CRACKING DOWN ON BUCKLING UP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Name: Sgt. D. Lowe
DATE: May 9, 2008 Agency: Whittier Police Department
Phone: (562) 945-8256
e-mail: dlowe@cityofwhittier.org

Whittier, Calif. - The Whittier Police Department will be aggressively enforcing the state's occupant protection laws as part of California's 2008 Click It or Ticket mobilization, taking place May 12-June 1. The campaign relies on heavy enforcement and public education as a means to help California achieve the highest seat belt use rate in the nation. California currently has the nation's fourth highest seat belt use rate at 94.6 percent.

"We want to make sure that all drivers and passengers buckle up on every ride, day and night," said Police Chief David Singer. "Our officers will be on the lookout for those who are not buckled up and for teens and children not riding properly restrained. We will not accept excuses or give warnings. It's Click It or Ticket."

California has a primary seat belt law which requires that every passenger in the car, including the driver, is required to wear a seat belt at all times. If stopped and found to be in violation, law enforcement will issue citations without warning. Tickets for first seat belt violations range from $80 to $91 for adults and $330 to $401 for children under age 16, depending on the county.

"We're doing well with nearly 95 percent buckling up, fourth highest in the nation," said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. "That's 1.5 million more people protected from death and injury by using seatbelts since the Click It or Ticket campaign started in 2005. But we can do better yet. I urge everyone to always buckle up."

While the buckle up rate for adults has continued to climb in recent years, California's teen seat belt use rate lags behind the general population. In 2007, California's teen seat belt use rate was 88.9 percent, well below the state rate of 94.6 percent for the same year.

Rail Road Worker Killed in Train Accident

Santa Fe Springs - On May 7th at 12:45 pm, 24-year-old Xavier Arriaga of Hisperia was struck and killed by an Amtrak Train in the intersection of Valley View Avenue and Stage Road. Employed by "A-CECO," a private rail road company, Xavier, along with 4 of his co-workers were maintaining one of three tracks running through the area. While the track he was working on was closed, the two others that parallel it were active.

As the Pacific Surfliner #774 approached traveling southbound, Xavier was operating a piece of equipment used to compact newly laid asphalt. Feeling the machinery was to close to the adjacent track, Xavier began moving the tool by turning his body and back away from the train. While doing so, a ladder on the side of the train, used for boarding struck Xavier as the train traveled at approximately 77 miles per hour. He was then pulled under the train and came to rest approximately 30 feet away. Deputies from LACO Sheriff's Department were first on scene before it was ultimately released to the Whittier Police Department for investigation. Representatives from Amtrak, BNSF, Cal-OSHA, and the Los Angeles County Coroners Office would assist in the investigation.

Felony Taggers in Custody

At 1:00am on today's date, a Whittier Police Officer was patrolling to the rear of 10445 Slusher Avenue when he came upon a group of taggers spray painting the wall of a business that backs up to the rail road tracks. The Officer then co-ordinated assisting units and the suspects were soon surrounded. One suspect used a ladder and was on the roof plying his skills when Officers flushed three others into the waiting arms of Officers and, out of breath, they quickly surrendered. The fourth suspect eluded apprehension by jumping off a 30’ wall, wrestling with an Officer and sprinting away. He was later captured at his home in Pico Rivera and charged with felony vandalism and resisting arrest. All were adults and from either Montebello or Pico Rivera. The arrestees were identified as Jose Trujillo (4/5/87), Michael Padua (3/5/84), Christopher Mariz (5/7/86), and Steven Faustinos (5/6/86).

Suspects Saught in Attempted Murder

At 9:00 pm on Sunday May 4th, four friends and family members were standing in front of their home in the 13200 block of Oval Drive when a white Ford Probe with two gang type occupants pulled up next to the house. The passenger of the vehicle then asked the residents “where they were from,” implying a gang affiliation. After the residents failed to reciprocate, the passenger began to fire four rounds from a small caliber handgun at all four of the residents. One of the rounds struck the abdomen of the 19-year-old victim, Yehuri Rodriguez and he was later transported to a local hospital where he immediately underwent surgery. Rodriguez is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive. While unconfirmed, Detectives are exploring gang rivalry as a possible motivation for the shooting.

Anyone with information pertaining to this crime is urged to contact the Whittier Police Department's Detective Bureau by calling (562) 945-8250.

Officers Credited for Helping Save Life of 2-Year-Old Child

Whittier, CA. – On April 30th at approximately 4:30pm, Whittier Police Officers Ad. Bobadilla and J. Draper responded to a call of a 2-year-old girl who was not breathing in the area of 12800 East Danbrook Drive. Arriving on scene, the Officers found the child without breath or pulse. Acting quickly, the Officers began giving the child 2-person CPR until LA Co Fire arrived and transported the child to Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. At the hospital, doctors discovered the child swallowed a metallic cotter-pin that had lodged in the child’s throat. The child was stabilized at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital and was later transferred to CHOC for the removal procedure. Medical staff would attribute the survival of the child to the Officers and first responders at the scene. The child is now in stable condition.

Additional inquiries may be directed to PIO J. Zuhlke at (562) 945-8282.

Sergeant Saves Life of 2 Year-Old Baby

On April 21 at 6:30pm, a Whittier Police Sergeant was called to 13608 Earlham Street on a baby who was not breathing. Arriving after an expedited response, the Sergeant was flagged down by the baby's mother who led him to the apartment where the baby lay lifeless. As the Sergeant entered the room, he noticed the child was grey in color and not breathing but had a faint pulse. Reacting immediately, the Sergeant administered several small abdominal thrusts to the baby and was able to clear the airway of obstruction. The baby then began breathing on his own and was transported to a local hospital where he is in stable condition.

Watch FOX11 news coverage of this incident here

Whittier Police Officers Break-up Large Fight

In the early morning of April 20th, Whittier Police Officers responded to a call of a large fight at the Slam Dunk sports bar at 14226 Whittier Blvd. When units arrive several fights are occurring just east of the bar in the parking lot. Most of the fights stop once they see the Officers and most participants flee from the area. Of the many involved, three individuals were detained and two were on parole with minor injuries. It would take Officer's 30 minutes to ensure the patrons cleared the lot and the fights did not flare up again. None of the participants were desirous of prosecution and it’s not clear how the fight started but detained participants were identified and interviewed.

Foot Pursuit Ends in Arrest of Parolee

On April 5th at 9pm a Whittier Police Officer observed a male subject walking against a red light in the area of 8446 Shulman Avenue and attempted to make contact with him. The subject did not want to be contacted however, and decided to run away. Additional officers were requested to respond to the area and look for the subject and he was located running across the street against traffic. This time, another Officer gave chase and a foot pursuit ensued over three residential walls. The Officer eventually caught up to the subject where they became involved in a physical altercation. The subject continued to resist and attempted to throw the Officer into a pool. Eventually, the Officer used his Taser to help subdue the subject and take him into custody.

The subject initially provided a false name, but it was later determined he was Tom Moerbeck (01-06-63), a Parolee at large with two outstanding warrants.

Petty Thieves Arrested

Officers arrested two juvenile thieves after they stole large dolls that were being set-up at Santa Fe High High School for a carnival. Witnesses reported the theft last night at approximately 11:15pm when they saw the juveniles running through the ball field at the high school. When Officers arrived, the thieves had stashed the dolls and were caught walking on Gard Street, south of the school. The dolls were recovered and the two juveniles were taken into custody.

Neighborhood Watch Newsletter Online

Don't miss this month's newly re-formatted Neighborhood Watch Newsletter. Look for the newsletter each month for valuable crime prevention tips and information you won't want to miss. You may download the newsletter by clicking here.

Missing Person Located

Janelle Halbrook has been located.

Police Seek Public's Help in Finding 13 Year-Old Girl

Stant Fe Springs, CA - The Whittier Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating thirteen-year-old Janelle Halbrook after she walked away from Lake Center Middle School at approximately 4 pm today. Janelle was reported missing by her mother at approximately 7 pm this evening after she failed to show up to the front of the school where her mother waited to pick her up. Diagnosed with a form of Autism known as Asperger's Syndrome, Janelle attends Lake Center Middle School on the corner of Clarkman St. and Pioneer Blvd. where she receives a curriculum specific to her learning style. After completing her regular classes at Lake Center for the day, Janelle is escorted by a teacher to another building on campus where she attends an after school program. According to faculty, Janelle's regular teacher was not on campus today when it came time for the escort. Officers learned that when Janelle's regular routine is interrupted, she has a tendency to wander. This information was provided by her mother who informed Officer's of a similar "walk-away" occurrence several months ago.

Janelle is described as 5'03" tall weighing 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Her hair is shoulder length and has thick bangs to the front. She was last seen wearing a red and black hooded sweatshirt, dark grey sweatpants, and blue Vans tennis shoes. According to witnesses, Janelle was last seen walking westbound on Clarkman Street at 4 pm towards Santa Fe High school.

The Whittier Police Department would like to urge anyone with information to contact our Dispatch Center immediately at (562) 945-8250. If you think you have seen, or may have seen Janelle, please do not hesitate to contact the Department.

Media Inquiries may be directed to Officer Jason Zuhlke at (562) 945-8282.

Suspect Arrested After Stabbing Witness

Richard Orea, an 18 year-old (10/16/89) Whittier County resident was arrested today after stabbing a man who witnessed him vandalizing a residence. On March 4th at 12:45 pm, the Whittier Police Department received a call of a traffic collision in the area of 11700 Broadway Avenue. Callers were reporting a man lying adjacent a black Ford Mustang that appeared to be bleeding. After arriving however, investigating officers learned the complete story.

While driving in the area of the above address, the victim witnessed Richard Orea spray painting a wall of a residence and decided to verbally challenge Orea's actions from within his car. Soon thereafter, Orea ran up to the victims car and began stabbing him with a box cutter. The victim defended himself and received several cuts to his arms while doing so. Orea then fled from the scene. The victim however, was transported to Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital where he was treated for his wounds and released.

Video surveillance and strong witness statements assisted Investigators in identifying Orea, which in turn led to his arrest this afternoon. The successful resolution of this case comes as the result of collaboration with witnesses and the full force of the Whittier Police Department's personnel.

The Whittier Police Department would like to remind the citizens of Whittier of the importance of our partnership! It is through the courage of citizens that we learn of crime occurring and may apprehend criminals such as Orea. While we openly encourage citizens to report such crimes, please consider your personal safety while doing so. If a suspect displays violent behavior towards you, stay on the phone with dispatch (if possible) and immediately seek safety; your safety is of the utmost concern to the Whittier Police Department!

While speaking with our dispatchers be prepared to answer questions that will help Officer's respond quickly and efficiently. Typically, our dispatchers will ask you for your information first, such as name, phone number, etc....in case you are disconnected. Then, be prepared to provide information relating to the location, suspect, suspect vehicle, and time of occurrence, to name a few. Again, it is through our partnership with your that we can respond quickly and efficiently.

Program aims to stop kids from defacing property

The Whittier Police Department is a proud participant in the newly implemented ATAG (Aware Teens Against Graffiti) Program. To read more about this innovative regional program, click here....

Arrested Juvenile Admits to Over 40 Vandalisms

On February 16, 2008, at 12:00pm, Whittier Police Officers responded to a call of a vandalism that had just occurred in the area of Mar Vista Street and Greenleaf Avenue. Arriving on scene, the Officers located two juvenile suspects matching the description. One of the suspects was positively identified by a witness as committing the vandalism, while the other subject was in possession of “slap up” stickers and a marker.

Following their arrest, both officers conducted custodial interviews and learned their monikers. With this information, both officers accessed the Graffiti Tracker system and learned that one of the suspects was most likely responsible for 42 previous tagging incidents. This subject was confronted with this information and admitted to committing all of these vandalisms. Both juveniles were subsequently transferred to Los Padrinos Juvenile Detention Center.