Nov. 1
Pasadena Police detectives arrested a man suspected of being the “Guitar Bandit.” Enrique Velasco, a parolee-at-large and career criminal, was wanted in connection with a string of expensive guitar thefts from stores in Pasadena and in the San Fernando Valley. Velasco is suspected of brazenly walking out of guitar stores without paying and later pawning them for cash. Police detectives from Pasadena and LAPD North Hollywood and Topanga Divisions have suspected Velasco since September, when the guitar thefts first began to occur. A break in the case came when the license plate of an acquaintance of Velasco’s was captured on video. Pasadena Police Detectives Cass & Zilbert took the initiative in writing two search warrants, leading them to Velasco. Subsequently, Velasco and a female accomplice were arrested without incident in Sun Valley. The detectives also recovered evidence, which included a guitar, drugs, and cash. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed six felony counts against Velasco.
Nov. 7
At about 12:02 a.m., Pasadena Police officers investigated a call of shots fired in the area of Howard Street and Lake Avenue. On arrival, the officers did not locate any victims or witnesses to the incident, even though several people were interviewed. The officers did recovered evidence of the shots nearby. Our investigation is ongoing.
Nov. 7
At about 12:25 p.m., Pasadena Police and Fire Departments responded to Washington Boulevard and Holliston Avenue regarding a traffic collision. On arrival, emergency personnel discovered that a Toyota Camry and a Yamaha motorcycle were involved in a serious traffic collision. As a result of the collision, the motorcycle rider was ejected from his vehicle and sustained life threating injuries. The rider was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Toyota remained at the scene as was not injured. Alcohol or drugs did not appear to be a factor in the collision and the driver of the Toyota was not arrested. Pasadena Police Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information regarding the incident is encouraged to call Traffic Section Lieutenant Diego Torres at (626) 744-7159, or the Pasadena Police Watch Commander at (626) 744-4620
Nov. 9
At about 7:49 p.m., Pasadena Police officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Section (SES) conducted an enforcement stop on a vehicle near Fair Oaks Avenue and Woodbury Road for a traffic violation. During the field investigation, the driver became combative with the officers and, without provocation or warning, forcibly pulled a baton away from one of the officers. Assisting personnel were able to gain control of the suspect and arrested him without further incident. He was transported to the Pasadena jail.
Nov. 10
At about 4:25 a.m., Pasadena Police officers on routine patrol saw the driver of a SUV fail to stop for a red light at Lake Avenue and Walnut Street. The officers attempted to conduct an enforcement stop, however, the driver of the SUV failed to yield and was last seen traveling south on Lake Avenue at a high rate of speed. Minutes later, a San Marino Police unit located the SUV and attempted to stop the driver. The driver immediately yielded and, along with his three passengers, was detained without incident. Subsequent investigation revealed that the SUV was stolen. The juveniles (males, El Monte residents) were transported to the Pasadena Police Department and processed.
Nov. 11
At about 12:36 a.m., Pasadena Police officers contacted a large group of people (15-20) loitering near Claremont Street and Fair Oaks Avenue. During the contact the officers noted one particular male subject was acting suspicious. Officers contacted the male and determined he was on felony (active) probation. The subject’s probation conditions were verified, which included search and seizure elements. During the subsequent search, officers located a load pistol. The male was arrested without incident and taken to the Pasadena jail. The proactive efforts of the officers removed another illegal firearm from our community.
