Monterey Park Police Announce Arrests of Commercial Burglary Suspects

On August 21, 2019 at approximately 3:18 p.m., Monterey Park Police Officers stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the 600 block of W. Newmark Avenue. Upon making contact with the two occupants, the officers immediately recognized the occupants as suspects wanted for a series of commercial burglaries that have occurred throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Orange County. The officers also identified the vehicle driven by the suspects (grey colored four-door Mercedes Benz) as the same vehicle used to commit the burglaries. Both suspects were arrested for commercial burglary.

The suspects are identified as:

Both suspects have been charged with suspicion of commercial burglary. Their bail is set at $20,000 and were scheduled to appear in the Alhambra Superior Court on August 23, 2019. Williams is also being held for several outstanding warrants.

Monterey Park Police Department Reminds Pedestrians and Drivers to Think Two Steps Ahead

September is Pedestrian Safety Month

Monterey Park Police Department is working with law enforcement agencies across the state to promote safe behaviors that allow drivers and those on foot to get where they need to go safely.

September is Pedestrian Safety Month and California continues to see more and more pedestrians getting injured or killed on roads. In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed and more than 14,000 injured in California alone. A report (external GHSA PDF link) released earlier this year by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projected that more than 6,200 pedestrians were killed in the United States last year, the highest number since 1990.

In order to reduce the number of collisions involving pedestrians, Monterey Park Police Department will have additional officers on patrol throughout the month of September specifically focused on drivers and pedestrians who violate traffic laws that increase the risk of crashes. These violations include speeding, driving or walking distracted and/or impaired, failing to stop for signs and signals, and not yielding to drivers/pedestrians who have the right of way.

“Someone crossing the street should not have to fear for one’s life, but they should also be mindful that drivers are going places too,” said Monterey Park Police Chief Jim Smith. “It goes both ways.”

Despite advancements in vehicle technology that increase the chance of survival for drivers and passengers in crashes, pedestrians face the same amount of risk of getting seriously injured or killed when struck by a vehicle.

“Sooner or later, a driver has to get out of their car and walk, so we are all pedestrians at some point,” Chief Smith said. “Think about how you would want a driver to act when you are walking and vice versa. Keep that in mind and follow the rules of the road so we can all arrive where we’re headed safely, regardless of how we get there.”

Monterey Park Police Department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to keep everyone safe:

For Pedestrians

• Look left-right-left before crossing the street. Watch for cars turning and obey traffic signals.
• Only cross the street in marked crosswalks, preferably crosswalks at stop signs or signals.
• Avoid distractions. Stay off the phone while walking.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume drivers can see you.
• Be seen. Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight at night.
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic and as far away from cars as possible.
• Do not walk near traffic after drinking or using drugs that affect judgment and coordination.

For Drivers

• Follow the speed limit. The higher the speed, the longer it takes to stop.
• Never drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Look out for people walking, especially at night and in poorly lit areas.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks even if they are not at a stop sign or signal. Prepare to stop when a pedestrian enters a crosswalk.
• Avoid blocking the crosswalk when attempting to make a right-hand turn.
• Be careful backing up and leaving parking spaces in shopping centers with heavy foot traffic.

Funding for pedestrian safety enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

MPPD: One Size Does Not Fit All … Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Child

September 15-21 is Child Passenger Safety Week

Monterey Park Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies, public health departments and other community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.

The effort to promote car seat safety coincides with Child Passenger Safety Week, which is September 15-21, 2019.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 46% of car seats are not used properly.

“Children mean the world to parents and caregivers, but unfortunately many are putting them in harm’s way without knowing it,” Monterey Park Chief of Police Jim Smith said. “Our goal is to educate parents and caregivers on how they can keep children riding in the car as safe as possible.”

Under California law, children under two weighing less than 40 pounds and less than 40 inches tall are required to be in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of eight or less than 4’ 9” tall must be secured in a car or booster seat. The fine for not securing a child in the correct child safety seat is $490.

To find the right seat for your child, visit the NHTSA website. To find a car seat fitting station near you, contact your local CHP area office or go to the California Office of Traffic Safety website for a listing of car seat programs statewide.