News from the Monterey Park Police Department

Monterey Park Police Arrest Commercial Burglary Suspects

On August 10, 2018 at approximately 9:20 a.m., an officer investigated a commercial burglary that occurred in the 500 block of West Garvey in the City of Monterey Park. The subsequent investigation led to the identification and arrest of suspect Lei Gao on August 13, 2018 in the City of San Gabriel.

After further investigation, a second suspect was identified. The second suspect, Carlos Antonio Estrada, was arrested on August 14, 2018 in the City of San Gabriel. Search warrants were served in the City of San Gabriel and City of Rosemead at the suspects’ residences on August 14, 2018.

The suspects are identified as:

Lei Gao, 36, from San Gabriel. Carlos Antonio Estrada, 43, from Rosemead.

Gao has been charged with suspicion of commercial burglary. His bail is set at $145,000. He is set to appear in the Alhambra Superior Court on August 15, 2018.

Estrada has been charged with suspicion of commercial burglary. His bail is set at $50,000. He is set to appear in the Alhambra Superior Court on August 16, 2018.

Monterey Park Police Announce Charges Against Suspect in Brier Cliff Way Burglary

On August 9, 2018 at approximately 6:00 a.m., an attempted residential burglary occurred in the 1000 block of Brier Cliff Way. Responding officers attempted to detain two suspects in the immediate area. Both suspects fled from the officers on foot. A short time later a nearby resident called to report a male subject who matched the original description given by the officer was seen jumping the wall in her rear yard. The suspect was located, detained, and after further investigation was arrested for 459 PC/Residential Burglary. The second suspect is still outstanding.

On August 13, 2018 the case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for a filing consideration and the charges of 459 PC/Burglary and 148 PC/Resisting Arrest were filed against the suspect.

The suspect is identified as:

ynnell William Powell, 19, from Los Angeles.

Bail is set at $50,000 and Powell appeared in the Alhambra Superior Court on Monday August 13, 2018.

Share the Road: Highlighting Traffic Safety Efforts for Pedestrians

September marks Pedestrian Safety Month, with the goal to reduce the numbers of pedestrians being killed and injured on California roadways. Monterey Park Police Department, as well as state agencies, community partners and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are urging pedestrians and drivers alike to be aware of each other at all times and share the road responsibly.

Pedestrian deaths are on the rise both in California and nationally. In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed and more than 14,000 were injured on California roadways alone. Since 2012, pedestrian deaths have increased by nearly 33 percent, growing substantially faster than any other type of traffic-related death.

Over the course of the past three years Monterey Park has witnessed two pedestrians killed and another 84 pedestrians injured.

In order to reverse this upward trend of pedestrian injuries and deaths, Monterey Park Police Department is joining the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in their efforts to remind the public that “Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor.” The campaign highlights the importance of pedestrian safety, whether one is on foot or behind the wheel. The campaign features everyday pedestrians clad in body armor made from car parts, a symbol that in real life, pedestrians don’t have any protection when hit by a vehicle, no matter who is at fault.

“Pedestrian safety goes both ways,” OTS Director Rhonda Craft said. “Whether you are walking or driving, there is a shared responsibility when it comes to looking out for one another.”

The Monterey Park Police Department, OTS, law enforcement agencies, and other community partners will use Pedestrian Safety Month as a way to educate the public about traffic rights, rules and responsibilities, as well as identify trouble spots where there are higher incidents of pedestrian versus vehicle collisions.

To ensure we can all get where we need to go safely, Monterey Park Police Department offers tips for pedestrians and drivers.

Pedestrians

• Be obvious and predictable, crossing at crosswalks or intersections only, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk.
• Make eye contact with drivers; never assume a driver sees you.
• Look left-right-left before you step into the crosswalk: having a green light or the “WALK” signal does not mean it is safe to cross.
• Look for cars backing up, including white backup lights or signs the vehicle is running. Don’t dart out between parked cars.
• Avoid distractions. Don’t walk and use your phone at the same time.
• Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials (or use a flashlight) at night.

Drivers

• Be alert for pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks where they have the right of way.
• Put down the cell phone and just drive.
• Use extra caution when backing up. Look for bicyclists or pedestrians who may be approaching.
• Be patient and courteous. Wait for pedestrians to cross street or intersection before proceeding.