On September 4, 2016 at approximately 7:15 p.m., officers from the Monterey Park Police Department responded to an armed robbery occurring in the 200 block of N. Chandler Ave., Monterey Park, CA. The suspect approached the elderly victim from behind, brandished a firearm and forcefully took the victim’s purse from her and fled on foot to the suspect vehicle and drove away. This incident was partially captured on security cameras in the area. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches, medium complexion, wearing a blue baseball style hat, a blue button down work type shirt with lettering on the left breast pocket and a white patch on the sleeve, blue denim jeans, and black tennis shoes with a white sole. The getaway vehicle is described as a newer model burgundy Chrysler and driven by the suspect. The Monterey Park Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect and vehicle depicted in the video/photographs.

The victim is an elderly female who resides at a senior living facility. The victim sustained minor bruising during the robbery, but was otherwise unharmed. It appears the victim was targeted due to her age and place of residence.

If you know the person(s) in the video/photographs or have information regarding this case we urge you to contact the Monterey Park Police Department Detective Bureau at 626-307-1252, the on duty watch commander at 626-307-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

The Monterey Park Police Department would like to remind all residents to be safety conscious when they are out in public and to report suspicious activity, persons, and vehicles to their local police department.

Monterey Park Police Arrest Montebello Area High School Tennis Coach for Sexual Abuse

On Monday September 12, 2016 at approximately 2 p.m. detectives from the Monterey Park Police Department arrested a Schurr High School (Montebello, Calif.) tennis coach for suspicion of lewd acts with a minor.

Van Phuoc “Timothy” Dang, 26 years of age of West Covina, was identified as having a sexual relationship with a current student beginning when the female victim was 14 years old. Dang was the victim’s tennis coach and what started as a coach-student relationship evolved into an inappropriate sexual relationship lasting approximately three years. It was determined in the investigation that the crimes occurred in Monterey Park.

Dang has been charged with three felony counts, two include lewd acts with a minor and sex with a minor where the suspect is over 21 years of age. Dang is being held at the Monterey Park Police Department Jail on $100,000 bail.

Investigators believe that there may be other victims or additional information regarding Dang’s conduct, and are encouraging individuals who may have been a victim or have additional information to please contact the Monterey Park Police Department Investigations Bureau at 626-307-1236 or their local police department.